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.
In Chantilly, VA at the DEED Laboratory, we are engaged in modeling & simulation work and prototyping & testbed development work. The range of work includes CubeSat payload development, signal collection prototypes, antenna modeling and measurements in our anechoic chamber, software defined radio (SDR) communications and signal collections systems, and RF system in support of prototyping and customer developments.
Work Model: This Position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
- Maintenance and setup of equipment, fabrication of hardware components, and support of field tests
- Working with staff in fabricating and testing RF and digital electronics setups in a research and development environment
- Assist in administrative management of laboratory environment
Laboratory organization/cleanliness, equipment inventory and calibration Maintenance and setup of equipment, fabrication of hardware components, and support of field tests - Work to acquire laboratory supplies and measurement and test equipment for the laboratories
- Assist engineers in setup and monitoring of test equipment
- Design Work (CAD) and Fabrication
- Operation of environmental test equipment (vibration table, thermal cycle chamber, thermal vacuum chamber), fabrication equipment, and electronic equipment
- Working with a large state of the art tapered RF chamber to support test events and maintain operations
- Support field test development effort, configuration and driving of the CMV Mobile Lab, and on-site support of scheduled test events
What You Need to be Successful -Technical Specialist III
Minimum Requirements:
- Four or more years’ experience with an Associates Degree or equivalent vocational/military training or 5 years or more years of relevant experience with High School Diploma or equivalent
- Experience working in a laboratory or equivalent environment, following safety procedures, taking care of equipment
- Leadership of development projects and mentoring junior staff
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Technical Specialist IV include:
- Familiarity with either electronics or environmental test equipment
- Experience working with customers and on project teams
- Basic proficiency with standard business applications such as Microsoft Office
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance
- Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of time
- Clean driving record
- Experience working in a laboratory or equivalent environment, following safety procedures, taking care of equipment
- Leadership of development projects and mentoring junior staff
- Vocational trade school, Apprenticeship program or equivalent 10-12 years related industry experience
- Circuit assembly and fabrication ability: soldering, packaged component attachment (QFN packages), operation of circuit board fabrication machines, 3-D printers, die attachment, wire-bonding
- Layout ability: analog, digital, microwave circuitry do’s and don’ts; mechanical drawing of complicated structures
- Experience working with laboratory safety protocols
- Experience in drawing and fabrication of mechanical structures for integration into circuit assemblies
- Interacts with engineers in their area of technical knowledge and applies knowledge and experience to provide insight and suggestions
- Ability to quickly troubleshoot problems
- Must work well in a team environment
- Must possess strong organizational skills
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects at one time
- Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
- Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work under minimal supervision, to self-initiate activities, and to work within timelines
- Mentor and supervise work product of less-experienced technicians, provide technical leadership and review
- Basic project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and projects
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Familiarity with metrology and calibration processes, managing equipment, inventory control.
- Experience with environmental test equipment such as thermal chambers, vacuum chambers or vibration tables.
- Work with shielded RF chambers or antenna test ranges and associated test equipment.
- Proficiency with mechanical fabrication equipment and CAD tools.
- Expertise in soldering and electronics assembly with current/past certifications
- Current Top-Secret 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.
