Payload Transmitter/Receiver Engineer - Member of Technical Staff

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. 

As a Payload Transmitter/Receiver Engineer (Member of Technical Staff), you will support the development of national security wideband communication systems hardware through testing, measurements, and applications of communication systems theory.  You will build and operate wideband communications transmitters across the microwave and millimeter-wave spectrum, incorporating frequency converters and high power amplifiers (HPAs) - TWTAs or SSPAs as appropriate. You will use arbitrary waveform generators to create the transmitter input signal, and digital oscilloscopes to process the transmitter output.

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% telecommuting) depending on customer needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operate wideband communications channel test beds to support development of communication systems.
• Apply advanced microwave measurement techniques to SSPAs, TWTAs and frequency converters.
• Provide technical insight to internal and external customers regarding communication system design and performance.
• Solve microwave hardware anomalies using analytical methods and laboratory measurements.
• Collaborate onsite with other engineers and technicians.

What You Need to be Successful – Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements :

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics (Electromagnetics or Plasma) or related discipline
• Two or more years of relevant experience in communication or radar systems
• Knowledge and/or experience in any of the following engineering areas
  • Transmitter and/or Receiver hardware
  • Operation of network analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators and other microwave instrumentation
  • Understanding of signal quality and communication systems performance when evaluated with BER or EVM
• Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts.
• Ability to engage others and influence technical decisions.
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience with Python or other software for instrument control
• Experience using high-power microwave amplifiers
• Measurement or analysis experience with assessing the effect of nonlinearity in communications systems
• Communication Systems Engineering
• Current TS/SCI clearance

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