Communications Architecture Engineer full_time

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 & Engineering Division addresses two complementary and pervasive areas of technology and Communications.  Both aspects of the division touch virtually all programs supported by The Aerospace Corporation throughout their lifecycles. The division provides in-depth technical expertise in all aspects of these disciplines. Communications includes both the point-to-point transmission of information as well as the embedding of those links within a networked environment.  The division focuses on the development of innovative architecture and hardware technology solutions for a broad customer-base that spans multiple DoD, IC and Civil Space programs and maintains a strong SMC alignment. CTED is composed of approximately 200 technical experts and support staff and serves as a unifying organization for communications efforts across the company.

The role of the Engineer Specialist or Senior Engineer Specialist – Communications Systems Engineering in the Architecture Modeling and Analysis Section of the Communication Architectures Department designs, develops, models, simulates, tests, and analyzes communications systems, subsystems, and electronic signals for communication networks, data links, digital radio, battle management, and command and control systems. Examples include wide and local area networks, point-to-point systems, and secure systems. They apply knowledge of communications systems, modulation schema, signal coding, digital and wireless radio/communications technology, network architecture design, and related concepts, methods, techniques and tools, and documents work and results.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in Colorado Springs, CO; El Segundo, CA; or Chantilly, VA; which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Independently conduct long-range technical studies and reports findings.
• Initiate studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions within area of expertise.
• Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors in area of specialization.
• Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action.
• Act as organization’s designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers.
• May lead cross-organizational teams and organizes interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices.
• May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements :

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, physics, or other engineering with strong communications background
• 5 years of related experience in communications systems engineering
• Exhibit exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative.
• Willing to travel occasionally to other work locations or customer sites, approx. 6%.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

• 10 years of related experience in communications systems engineering, with demonstrated leadership
• Acting as senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or team leader
• Coordinator of large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines
• Mentorship of less experienced staff and service as a role model

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD degree in engineering or physics
• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments

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.