2025 Optical Communications Signal Processing Engineer

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.

The Mission Payload Division (MPD) 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, MPD 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. 

The qualified candidate will become part of the Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) within the Engineering and Technology Group, Mission Payload Division.  CSAD performs analysis, modeling and simulation of end-to-end radio and optical communication systems, and signal collection/processing techniques and solutions.  We also advise our customers on technical matters and advanced technology development needs.  The work we do is in support of advanced concept development/prototyping, system acquisition support and anomaly resolution, primarily for specialized satellite and associated ground processing applications.

Work Model: This position is based in Chantilly, VA and requires 100% onsite work

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio and/or optical communication systems and related signal processing

• Performing studies across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications

• Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office

• Joining the Communications and Signal Analysis Department as a new graduate who will work both independently and as part of project teams

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Masters Degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, RF/Free space optical communications, or related discipline pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months

• 0-1 year of industry experience

• Coursework in the areas of digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python

• Knowledge and/or project experience with digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, etc.

• Willing to travel domestically/internationally infrequently, as needed

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• Transcripts Required

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or Microwave Photonics

• 0-1 year of industry experience working in Satellite, Radio and/or Optical Communications, or advanced signal processing techniques

• Broad exposure to multiple communications and signal processing courses

• Active security clearance 

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 tel