RF Systems 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.

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.

As an RF Systems Engineer, you will support the development of space national security communication systems through modeling, design, test, measurement, and application of communication systems theory.  You will build and test simulation antenna and RF front end models in numerical simulation tools. You will design, build, and test prototype antenna systems in an anechoic chamber, hardware-in-the-loop environments, and in over-the-air fielded antennas.

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.

When you join our team, you’ll also be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators in CTED.   Join us and take your place in space.

CTED’s domains include main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies.   The division comprises all aspects, from architecture to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

Work Model: This role will require on-site presence in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing laboratory prototypes through designing, building, and testing hardware systems (antennas, RF systems, and digital systems) and performing analysis on results
• Learning and applying antenna and RF analysis tools such as HFSS, GRASP, and ADS
• Performing modeling and simulation projects that include a combination of unique design work and independent analysis work to verify contractor designs and approaches
• Conducting prototype testing, including writing test plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operating test equipment, generating test reports, and support troubleshooting
• Supporting efforts that involves end-to-end system prototyping and testing involving antennas, RF, and digital processing
• Utilizing laboratory facilities including our anechoic chamber, RF signals lab, and remote testing vehicle for performance testing, prototype development, and contractor oversight
• Joining the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department as an early-career engineer who works both independently and as a member of project teams

What You Need to be Successful - Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Minimum of 2-years of experience supporting in either RF or Antenna design and projects
• Experience working in a laboratory environment working with RF or antenna hardware and testing equipment
• Experience using commercial and/or custom modeling and simulation tools for RF or antenna analysis
• 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.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• All of the above requirements for RF/Antenna Systems Engineer - MTS
• Minimum of 4-years of relevant experience in progressively more responsible roles
• Experience working independently and managing individual tasking
• Work providing deliverables and briefing management and or customers on project progress.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited university
• Experience in both RF and antenna analysis, design, and test
• Proficiency with a variety of popular analysis tools such as Matlab, ADS, Microwave Office