RF Payload Acquisition 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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser to the National Reconnaissance Office and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. Leveraging the corporation’s core competencies and cutting-edge technologies to support the acquisition and operation of major programs, NSG’s strategic focus is the application of systems engineering approaches to national intelligence, providing sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions.

We are looking for a RF Payload Acquisition Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer – RF Electronics Knowledge Analysis & Testing) to serve as a senior technical advisor to lead mission assurance activities for Directorate-H RF payload acquisitions in the Electronic Programs Division.  In this role you will apply your knowledge of RF Systems leading matrix engineering support teams to provide technical leadership assessing acquisition development while prioritizing technical excellence and balancing programmatic constraints.

Work Model:

This full time position requires 100% on site work in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing technical leadership during design reviews, prioritizing technical excellence while balancing programmatic constraints
• Forming/leading matrix engineering support teams to perform mission assurance for advanced state of the art RF payloads & electronics
• Leading matrix engineering support teams to identify technical risks and develop resolution plans to close technical issues balancing program constraints
• Working closely with Aerospace management, Government program leadership and senior contractor leads to communicate risk assessment findings and resolution recommendations
• Leading matrix engineering support teams independent analyses and assessments to support payload/electronics sell-off activities and milestone reviews
• Interacting collaboratively with the customer and a wide variety of other support and development contractors who are associated with the program

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Project Engineer RF Electronics Knowledge Analysis & Testing

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, science, mathematics or related technical discipline
• A minimum of 10 years engineering experience
• Experience working with space borne RF systems, Microwave, millimeter wave or antenna acquisitions
• Familiarity with RF systems/antenna modeling, simulation, calibration and testing
• Willing to support moderate travel (approximately 1 week per month)
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US 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:

• Advanced degree in relevant engineering, mathematics or science field
• Experience working on NRO SIGINT satellite or technology development programs
• Experience with RF system simulation development and digital analysis
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices for space vehicle assembly, as well as functional, performance and environmental testing
• Knowledge of best practices for conducting requirements verification, milestone reviews, anomaly investigation and failure review boards
• Experience leading matrix engineering support teams

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)

$166,400 - $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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.