What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications and Signal Processing Engineer position at The Aerospace Corporation?
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 qualified candidate will become part of the Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) within the Engineering and Technology Group, Communication Technologies, and Engineering Division. CSAD performs analysis, modeling and simulation of end-to-end radio and optical communication systems, and signal collection/processing techniques and solutions. We also advise our customers on technical matters and advanced technology development needs. The work we do is in support of advanced concept development/prototyping, system acquisition support and anomaly resolution, primarily for specialized satellite and associated ground processing applications.
Work Model: Full Time Onsite - Chantilly, VA
What You’ll Be Doing
- Performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio and/or optical communication systems and related signal processing
- Performing studies across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications
- Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
- Joining the Communications and Signal Analysis Department as a new graduate who will work both independently and as part of project teams
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, RF/Free space optical communications, or related discipline
- Coursework in the areas of digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python
- Experience with digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, etc.
- One or more years of related work experience
- Willing to travel domestically/internationally infrequently, as needed
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior MTS:
- 5 or more years of related experience in satellite communications and RF engineering
- A demonstrated ability to define and initiate projects, lead technical teams, successfully perform technical studies and interface with multiple stakeholders
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or Microwave Photonics
- Experience in Satellite, Radio and/or Optical Communications, or advanced signal processing techniques
- Broad exposure to multiple communications and signal processing courses
- Active security clearance
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.
