engineer

RF/Microwave 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 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.  

We are seeking to hire an RF/Microwave Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Engineering Specialist) to support the development of microwave hardware in radar, sensor, and  communications national space systems. The selected individual will perform circuit analysis, design microwave circuits, make measurements, and analyze test results—and that’s only one days’ efforts.  We offer more project flexibility and personal responsibility as well as more impact on our national space programs than the usual engineering company.  Our academic-like collegial atmosphere encourages collaboration with and continued learning from our engineers who are leaders in their fields of expertise. We’re also ready to learn from you.

Work Model: This role will require on-site support in El Segundo, but have the flexibility to support in a hybrid work model (20%).

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Provide insight on contractor development of  radar, sensor, and communication payloads
  • Implement advanced microwave measurement techniques
  • Perform budget, circuit (ADS or Microwave Office), and simulations of microwave components, and systems
  • Operate large-scale microwave payload emulator test sets
  • Solve microwave hardware anomalies using analytical methods and experimental setups
  • Collaborate onsite with other engineers and technicians

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
  • Four or more years related (including post graduate studies) technical experience in any of the following microwave engineering areas
    • Microwave circuit theory using ADS OR Microwave Office
    • Operation/instrument control of network analyzers,  oscilloscopes, or other microwave instrumentation
    • Data/signal analysis using Python OR MATLAB
    • Microwave Transmitter/Receiver hardware
  • Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills
  • Ability to engage others and influence technical decisions.
  • Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required.

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

  • Seven or more years related (including post graduate studies) in any of the above mentioned microwave engineering areas
  • Demonstrated Team and Project Leadership

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Current TS/SCI clearance
  • Capstone projects building RF hardware and/or systems
  • Experience or course work in any of the following microwave specialty areas: 
    • Amplifier design and theory
    • PLL/oscillator design and theory
    • High-power RF SSPA or TWTA
    • Communication Systems Engineering

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)

$110,400 – $193,500

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. 

Job Overview