Space Communications Digital Signal Processing and FPGA Engineer - Sr MTS

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

We are hiring a Space Communications Digital Signal Processing and FPGA Engineer - Senior Member of Technical Staff in the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department. In this role, you will work both independently and as a member of project teams. You will be responsible for solving technical problems as well as developing experiments and prototypes in our labs with SDR hardware, FPGA development systems and RF signals equipment.

Work Model: This position will be located 100% on-site in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

Solving technical problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, data processing, and implementing in hardware

• Developing experiments and prototypes in our laboratory facilities that include extensive SDR hardware, FPGA development systems, and RF signals test and measurement equipment

• Supporting customer programs by performing research, analysis, development, and assessments of signal processing algorithm implementations on operational hardware

• Creating and testing prototypes for Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Software Defined Radios (SDR) applications

• Supporting our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office

• Using your technical abilities and insights to keep ongoing development programs successful and to influence future missions

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline

• Four or more years of relevant experience

• Experience in a laboratory environment working with SDRs or FPGAs, and associated test equipment

• Proven record in developing and implementing DSP algorithms with real-world performance requirements on either CPU or FPGA-based platforms

• 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 to obtain this level of security clearance.

• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

• Experience with a variety of popular SDR or FPGA tools such as GNUradio, Vivado, or ModelSim

• Experience working with experts in the fields of antenna systems, RF systems, SIGINT and/or SAR processing, communications systems and hardware prototyping

• Experience with Linux-based DSP systems that span across CPUs, FPGAs, GPUs, SDR platforms

• Strong background in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Julia, or Python

• Experience providing deliverables and briefing management and customers on project progress

• Track record leading a team of engineers and serving as a project or program technical lead

• Work in digital design using VHDL and/or Verilog

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