Communications Systems Engineer - Member of Technical Staff/ Sr 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 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 seeking a Communications Engineer to join the Communication Payload, Command, & Telemetry Department (CPCTD), a nation-wide team of experts shaping the future of communication and navigation payloads. The Communication Payload, Command & Telemetry Department provides technical leadership and “cradle-to-grave" systems engineering expertise in communications and navigation payloads and their associated ground systems, including rapid concept design studies, requirements and CONOPs development; integration and test support; performance assessment and requirements verification; and on-orbit satellite support. Reliable and affordable high-performance communications systems are fundamental to the success of both current and next-generation space architectures, and CPCTD plays an essential role in helping make those systems a reality. 

The right candidate is interested in executing studies to solve new technical problems and providing novel technical solutions; delivering technical feedback to management, customers, and contractor; and actively identifying technical problems and recommending courses of action. This position may have the opportunity to manage projects, lead cross-organizational teams, and drive new business and customer engagement.

Work Model:This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support quick-turnaround conceptual design and advanced architecture studies which includes: 

  • Communication link budget trades

  • Dynamic link modeling & simulation

  • Detailed system hardware architecture trade balancing insertion of advanced technology with appropriate risk

  • Documenting trade study results providing insight to senior decision makers   

  • Collaborate in multi-discipline team environments across the space vehicle subsystems

  • Concepts of operations & constellation orbital flight concepts

• Support modeling and simulation department tool development, documentation, and implementation using Python and MATLAB

• Work with Senior Engineers to support all phases of Ground and Space communication development lifecycle which may include requirement definition; assembly, integration & test; anomaly resolution; modeling & simulation; unit, subsystem, and system test; and spacecraft launch and on-orbit support

What You Need to be Successful – Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in STEM field

• Two or more years of increasingly responsibility and related engineering/scientific experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of RF, wireless communication systems, theory, analysis, and hardware implementation

• Modeling and coding experience in one or more environments (e.g. MATLAB, Python, SQL, C++, etc.)

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff :

• Four or more years of increasingly responsibility and related engineering/scientific experience

• Demonstrated ability to work i