Communications Systems Engineer - Eng Specialist/Sr Eng Specialists

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.

As part of CTED, the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) performs analysis, modeling and simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, signals, and signal processing algorithms for our customers.  As an engineer within CSED, you will be solving challenging technical problems in the areas of communication, counter-communication, and related digital signal processing. Your technical expertise will help support various US Government military and national program needs as well as shape their futures! 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Independently execute and/or lead projects involving:

  • Physical layer modeling & simulation

  • Communication waveform design and performance analysis

  • Position, navigation, and timing signals design and analysis

  • Communication link budget analysis

  • Evaluation of programs of record and future programs in various technical areas including satellite communications, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic warfare (EW)

  • Development and evaluation of program requirements, interfaces, and verification processes

  • Digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development

• Provide implementable technical solutions to the Nation’s Hardest Problems

• Translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined, and methodical technical plans

• Communicate technical results clearly in written reports and presentations.

Work Model: This position requires at least 4 days on site in either El Segundo, CA or Colorado Springs, CO

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics or related applicable technical discipline

• Eight or more years of relevant engineering experience with increasing responsibility

• Experience with RF satellite communication systems (hardware and software, systems engineering, RF system design requirements development, integration and test, system development, or related field)

• Understanding of several communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance)

• Fluency in one of the following: MATLAB, Python, C/C++

• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance issued by the US government.  US citizenship is required

• This job typically requires 10% domestic travel. Increased travel (up to 35%) may be required to support certain customer needs

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

• Twelve or more years of related experience in communications systems engineering and/or signal processing

• Demonstrated technical leadership roles

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• M.S. or Ph.D. in either Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.

• Experience with military and commercial satellite communication systems.

• Working knowledge of US government programs in the areas of protected communications, navigation, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and/or electronic warfare (EW).

• Hands-on experience with modeling and simulation of anti-jam waveforms, spread spectrum, beamforming, array processing, interference mitigation, and geolocation techniques.

• Knowledge of modern software-development practices and tools.

• In-depth understanding of emerging communication and network technologies (5G, 6G, IoT, IoST).

• Current SAP access.

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)

$132,900 - $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.