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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 looking for a Senior RF Engineer (Aerospace Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist) to help lead our modeling and simulation, prototyping and 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 communications and signal collections systems, and RF system in support of prototyping and customer developments. Our group supports exciting programs such as the Aerospace CubeSat SlingShot Platform, and development of advanced labs such as Payload Characterization and Environments (PACE) Lab, Join us on the leading edge of advanced electronics.
Work Model: This Position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Job Summary:
Provide subject matter expertise in RF components and systems and/or antennas and antenna systems by analyzing RF systems and components using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements
Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and reports findings. Initiates studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions within area of expertise of advanced RF systems. Provides ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action
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. Acts as organization’s designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
Utilize laboratory facilities including our PACE anechoic chamber, RF signals lab, and remote testing vehicle for performance testing, prototype development, and contractor oversight
Support our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
Adapt to changing industry trends and explore new concepts outside your comfort zone
What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
Six or more years of relevant experience
RF system design and analysis to include antenna and/or RF components
Experience using commercial and/or custom modeling and simulation tools for RF analysis
Laboratory environment work with RF hardware and test equipment
Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of time.
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
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist:
Ten or more years of relevant experience
Experience architecting and implementing antenna and RF system solutions with real-world performance requirements
Experience leading RF development projects and mentoring junior staff
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced technical degree, MS or PhD, in Electrical Engineering or another related discipline with a focus on Electromagnetics, Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, or another related field
Experience with phased arrays, metamaterials, and/or patch antenna modelling, design, fab, and test in a research and development setting
Proficiency with a variety of popular analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and/or GRASP
A background in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Python, Rust, or Julia
Current U.S. Government security clearance – Secret Level or higher
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.
