2025 RF Spectrum 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 Architectures Department (CAD) performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, and launch vehicle systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources.

Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). Corporate customers work directly with CTED’s engineers to ensure robust and resilient communication, from architecture to implementation.

Work Model:

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Analyze, study, propose, and shape the next generation of communication architectures, requirements, and space policy for customers such as the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
• Perform radio frequency interference analysis of communication systems to promote spectrum sharing and resolve spectrum contention issues
• Provide analysis and evaluations of national and international spectrum policy activities
• Survey and identify trends in spectrum usage and develop new communication architectures and concepts
• Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communications links, and wireless network protocols
• Potential for hands-on field-testing, including antenna, coaxial cables, RJ45, LNB, BUC, etc
• Some travel, approximately less than 10%, is possible

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• 0-1 years of industry work experience
• Coursework or prior project experience in communication systems, architectures, and networks
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ph.D. from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Knowledge of International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Radio Regulations and Allocations and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) spectrum management systems and processes
• Working knowledge of interoperability and standards; spectrum management; protocols and infrastructures; wireless communications and network design
• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, Matlab
• Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance

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)

$95,200 - $142,800

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.