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.

In this role, you will become part of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, signal collection and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of CTED. The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.  In Chantilly, VA we are engaged in modeling & simulation work and prototyping & testbed development work. The range of work includes cubesat payload development, signal collection prototypes, antenna modeling and measurements in our anechoic chamber, software defined radio communications and signal collections systems, and RF system in support of prototyping and customer developments.

Work Model

This Position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Joining the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department as an experienced engineer who works both independently and as a member of project teams
• Providing subject matter expertise in RF systems and RF components for receive and transmit systems
• Solving technical problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing
• Analyzing RF systems and components using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements
• Using laboratory facilities including our RF signals lab, anechoic chamber, and mobile remote testing vehicle for performance testing, prototype development, and contractor oversight
• Engaging the customer on the problems to be solved and leading project teams
• Using your technical abilities and insights to keep ongoing development programs successful and to influence future missions
• Supporting our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office

This position can be filled as a RF Systems Engineer or Sr. RF Systems Engineer.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for RF Systems Engineer (Engineering Specialist):

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• 8 or more years of relevant experience in progressively more responsible roles
• Experience in RF system design and analysis
• Experience using commercial and/or custom modeling and simulation tools for RF analysis
• Experience in a laboratory environment working with RF hardware and test equipment
• 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.

Minimum Requirements for Sr. RF Systems Engineer (Sr. Engineering Specialist):

• All of the above requirements for RF Systems Engineer (Engineering Specialist)
• 12 or more years of relevant experience in progressively more responsible roles.
• Demonstrated ability to architect and implement antenna and RF system solutions with real-world performance requirements
• Experience leading RF development projects and mentoring junior staff

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience in both RF and antenna analysis and design
• Proficiency with a variety of popular analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and GRASP
• Experience leading small teams for projects related to antenna systems, radar systems, SIGINT processing, communication systems, and hardware prototyping
• A background in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Python, Rust, or Julia

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of leve