Communication Systems Engineer – Member of the Technical Staff/Senior Member of the 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!

As part of MPD, the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) performs analysis, modeling and simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, signals, and signal processing algorithms for our customers. As a Communications Systems Engineer (Member of Technical Staff/Senior Member of Technical Staff - Communication Systems Engineering) within CSED, you will be solving challenging technical problems in the areas of communication, counter-communication, and related digital signal processing. Your technical expertise will help support various US Government military and national program needs as well as shape their futures!

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Solve technical problems, under supervision and guidance, on projects involving:

  • Physical layer modeling & simulation

  • Communication waveform design and performance analysis

  • Position, navigation, and timing signals design and analysis

  • Communication link budget analysis

  • Evaluation of programs of record and future programs in various technical areas including satellite communications, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic warfare (EW)

  • Development and evaluation of program requirements, interfaces, and verification processes

  • Digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development

  • Hardware prototyping and testing in the laboratory and in the field

• Translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined, and methodical technical plans

• Communicate technical results clearly in written reports and presentations

What You Need to be Successful – Member of the Technical Staff - Communications Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline

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

• Understanding of several communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance)

• Fluency in at least one of the following programming languages: MATLAB, Python, C/C++

• The ability to obtain a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government (U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance)

• Willingness to commit to 10-20% domestic travel depending on customer needs

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of the Technical Staff - Communications Systems Engineering include:

• Five or more years of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience

• Demonstrated senior technical authority and consultant roles

How You Can Stand Out

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

• M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline

• Experience with RF satellite communication systems (hardware and software, systems engineering, RF system design requirements development, integration and test, system