Senior End-to-End Communications 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 Communication Payload, Command & Telemetry Department (CPCTD) provides technical leadership and expertise in the areas of space communication payloads, navigation payloads, and telemetry, tracking and commanding systems as well as their ground counterparts.  CPCTD supports Space Systems Command, National Reconnaissance Office, other US Government, and Civil & Commercial customers. 

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Support quick-turnaround conceptual design and advanced architecture studies: 
  • Communication link budget trades
  • Constellation dynamic link modeling & simulation
  • Detailed system hardware architecture trade balancing insertion of advanced technology with appropriate risk
  • Documenting trade study results providing insight to senior decision makers   
  • Collaborate in multi-discipline team environments across the space vehicle subsystems
• Perform independent analyses to support requirement development, request for proposal (RFP), and source selection activities.
• Develop next generation RF, digital, and/or optical satellite communication subsystem requirements and interface definitions.
• Support communication subsystem design reviews, integration & test phases, anomaly resolution, spacecraft launch, and in-orbit check-out.
• Provide timely written and verbal technical assessment reports to program office, line management, and technical conferences.
• Develop analysis and modeling tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms to assess subsystem, satellite, and system level performance.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities with new and existing customers.
• Function as project manager and customer interface for cross-disciplined teams

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Math or another related discipline
• Fundamental knowledge of satellite communication, radar and/or position navigation and timing
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Minimum 8 years related experience in communication and/or telemetry & command (T&C) system engineering
• Technical experience in the following communication/T&C subsystem areas:
  • Translate upper-level system requirements to subsystem architecture and unit design
  • Trade analysis and requirements definition
  • Subsystem and/or unit level design, assembly, integration and test
  • Anomaly and failure analysis management and resolution
  • Space communication security (COMSEC) and transmission security (TRANSEC) methods and hardware
  • Experience with digital/RF communications hardware and lab equipment
  • Knowledge of FPGAs/ASICs
  • Demonstrated creativity in problem solving, conflict resolution, and teaming challenges
  • Possess high learning capacity with ability to rapidly grasp new concepts and adapt
  • 10 – 15% domestic travel as needed
  • Current TS clearance with SCI access

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

• Minimum 12 years of related experience in communication and/or telemetry & command (T&C) systems engineering
• Track record of team building and leadership across multiple disciplines
• Demonstrated experience in the role of senior advisor/reviewer
• Mentor junior engineers in their technical development and growth in customer insight

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Master’s and/or PhD degree from an accredited college/ university program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Math or another related discipline
• Broad modeling and coding experience in multiple environments (e.g. MATLAB, Python, HFSS, etc.)
• Knowledge in developing or implementing communications architectures including satellite Tracking, Telemetry & Command (TT&C)
• 15 or more years of industry work experience.
• Digital signal processing implementation and integration
• Satellite test and integration experience
• Active 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)

$129,000 - $249,600

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.