Communication Systems Project Engineer

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Our National Intelligence Division, Special Projects Directorate is looking for a Communication Systems Project Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer-Communication Systems Engineering) in the program office to help execute challenging and innovative projects in support of critical acquisitions, analysis, and prototyping efforts.  Our operating environment and project portfolio are perfect matches for people who are eager to learn new and innovative approaches to complex problems.  We offer opportunities for professional growth and mission impact that are generally unavailable in other programs.  With a focus on helping customers achieve mission impact, this position will interface with Aerospace and partner subject matter experts to insure successful technical solutions. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Guide projects and technical teams in support of critical IC programs.
• Analyze mission requirements and provide technical guidance to develop communication solutions.
• Apply knowledge of RF waveforms, network devices, and protocols.
• Analyze ground, aerial, and space communication systems, security vulnerabilities, and other architecture weaknesses.
• Lead matrixed Aerospace engineering staff for prototypes and studies.
• Present reports of findings and recommendations to government leaders.
• Foster innovation using the Aerospace "backplane" to collaborate across departments to ensure effective engineering process for government customers.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer-Communication Systems Engineering

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field.
• 8 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience providing communication engineering solutions, technical analysis, and mission impact assessments.
• Experience managing multiple customer projects with evolving mission needs.
• Desire to work in a collaborative on-site office environment with the customer.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site (domestically) approx. 15 % (>150 miles) if required.   
• This position requires a current TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr. Project Engineer-Communication Systems Engineering includes:

• Master’s and/or PhD in Engineering, Science, Math, or related field.
• 12 years of experience in communication system and algorithm development.
• Highly independent and experience with developing business relations with new mission partners.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s and/or PhD in Engineering, Science, Math, or related field.
• Experience in communication system and algorithm development
• Prior experience and familiarity with DoD, Air Force, or Intelligence Community acquisitions and operations
• Experience working in an engineering matrix organization.
• Superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

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.