Antenna Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

The Antenna Systems Department is engaged in both modeling & simulation along with prototyping & testbed development. The range of work includes CubeSat antenna systems, ground station support, antenna design & modeling, construction of prototypes and pattern measurements in our anechoic chambers and helping our government customer execute missions of national interest and define future missions. We work closely with other departments to develop software defined radio (SDR) communication systems (transmitter & receivers), and RF systems in support of prototyping and customer developments. We are looking for an Antenna Systems Engineer (Senior MTS or Engineering Specialist)

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Join the Antenna Systems Department as an experienced engineer who works both independently and as a member of project teams
• Provide subject matter expertise in RF systems, antennas, and receive and transmit systems
• Solve technical problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing
• Engage the customer with impact on the problems to be solved and leading project teams
• Use your technical abilities and insights to foster innovation and keep ongoing development programs successful and also influencing(influence) future missions
• Operate strategically by supporting our DOD and Intelligence customers
• Work closely with junior and senior staff

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Five or more years of related experience in Antenna/RF System design, analysis and testing
• This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
• Proficiency with a variety of analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and GRASP
• Experience in a laboratory environment working with RF hardware and test equipment
• Work with customers and project teams
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of the time

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist include:

• Eight or more years of related experience in Antenna/RF System design, analysis, and testing
• Experience supporting DoD/IC programs and payloads
• Demonstrated experience leading development projects and mentoring junior staff
• Demonstrated ability to architect and implement antenna and RF and antenna system solutions with real-world performance requirements

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience with ground stations
• Proficiency in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, MATLAB, Pytho
• Experience leading small teams for projects related to antenna systems, radar systems, SIGINT processing, communication systems, and hardware prototyping

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$110,400 - $193,500

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.