Communication Hardware Systems Architect/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.
The Communications Payload, Command and Telemetry Dept (CPCTD) provides satellite Communication Hardware and systems engineering expertise to a wide range of space communication payload programs for military, national, civil and commercial customers. The department contributes to all phases of a space program: concept and architecture studies, system requirement development, system design review, unit and factory test, anomaly resolution and on-orbit test. We have extensive and well-established relationships with customer programs and is currently growing our department to meet customer demands.
What You'll Be Doing

• Support communication subsystem design, integration & test phases, anomaly resolution, spacecraft launch, and in-orbit check-out for a constellation of small to medium satellites.
• Perform link budgets to support and optimize quick-turn communications and antenna design trades.
• Provide timely written and verbal technical assessment reports to program office, line management, and technical conferences.
• Utilize existing analysis and modeling tools such as MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms to assess subsystem, satellite, and system level performance.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities with new and existing customers.
• Project roles span all phases of product development cycle, from new business acquisition, and IRAD/ technology development to established programs delivering integrated hardware and software systems. Systems engineering activities include system architecture design, trade studies, sizing of comm system, specification development, requirement definition and allocation, performance analysis and simulation; system modeling and simulation tool development, and support to hardware design, manufacturing, integration and test.

Work Model: This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required.
What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline
• Minimum 8 years related experience in communication system engineering
• Experience with space-based and terrestrial RF communication design
• Specific technical areas such as RF system level design and analysis, FPGAs/ASICs, Size, Weight and Power estimation of space-based communication systems and general antenna knowledge and anomaly and failure analysis resolution
• Trade analysis of current and emerging technologies
• Proficient in MATLAB or other object-oriented software platforms
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally travel as needed
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements (In addition to above):

• Master's, or Doctorate of Science degree from an accredited university in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline
• A minimum of 12 years of related experience in communication system engineering
• Successful technical leadership across multiple disciplines
• Experience in the role of senior advisor/reviewer

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience in DoD, NASA, and/or NRO programs
• Familiarity with proliferated LEO constellations, Optical communication, space communication security (COMSEC)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Mid - Max)
$103,300 - $157,425 - $225,400
Pay Basis: Annual
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 telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.