Space & Ground Communications 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 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 Communication Systems Engineering Specialist to support the Communication Payload, Command, & Telemetry Department (CPCTD), a nation‑wide team of experts shaping the future of communication and navigation payloads. CPCTD provides “cradle‑to‑grave” communications and navigation payload systems engineering support, 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.

This role will provide an opportunity to collaborate with other technical subject matter experts and provide expertise and guidance to the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community helping to shape the rapidly evolving space enterprise.

Work Model
:
The selected candidate will be required to work full time on‑site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform independent analyses to support requirement development, request for proposal (RFP), and source selection activities

• Develop next generation RF, digital, and/or optical satellite communication subsystem requirements and interface definitions

• Support communication subsystem design reviews, integration & test phases, anomaly resolution, spacecraft launch, and in‑orbit check‑out

• Author link budgets to support and optimize quick‑turnaround conceptual design and advanced architecture studies and requirements definitions

• Provide timely written and verbal technical assessment reports to program offices and line management

• Develop analysis and modeling tools using MATLAB and object‑oriented software platforms to assess subsystem, satellite, and system level performance

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree from an accredited university in STEM‑related field

• Minimum 5 years related experience in communication and/or telemetry & command (T&C) system engineering supporting SSC and/or NRO program

• Broad modeling and coding experience in multiple environments (e.g. MATLAB, Python, HFSS, etc.)

• Fundamental knowledge of satellite communication, radar and/or position navigation and timing

• Possess high learning capacity with ability to rapidly grasp new concepts and adapt

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• 10 – 15% domestic travel as needed

• Current TS clearance with SCI access

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:

• Minimum 8 years related experience in communication and/or telemetry & command (T&C) system engineering supporting SSC and/or NRO program

  • Trade analysis and requirements definition

  • Satellite subsystem and/or unit level design, assembly,…