2026 Digital Signals and RF 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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Digital Signals & RF Engineer for the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).  Position will be full-time, onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.

At 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!

Job Summary

Selected candidate will join the Digital Communication Implementation Department (DCID), DCID uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes (GNSS, PNT, GPS, etc.) that solve the toughest problems related to digital communication systems. DCID’s support includes guiding the acquisition of next generation communication and navigation systems needed by our customers, helping industry implement cutting-edge technology and creating innovative solutions to our customers’ most challenging problems.  Our group supports exciting programs such as the Aerospace CubeSat SlingShot Platform, development of the Payload Characterization and Environments (PACE) Lab, and compete in challenges such as the Blind Signal Classification Challenge. Please join us on the leading edge of digital communications. 

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

Job Summary: 

• Assist with the development and implementation of signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS / GNSS/Software Defined Radio receivers and/or communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing on FPGA hardware or in software.  

• Help with the analysis of signal processing performance using Matlab, Python, or similar simulation environments.  

• Support prototyping of cutting-edge real-time systems for emulation and proof of concept.  

• Research pertaining to advanced signal processing, GNSS technology/future development and Alternative PNT concepts.  

• Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues.  

What You Need to be Successful  

• ​Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related technical discipline from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months

• 0-1 year of industry work experience  

• Academic and/or project experience in the area of digital signal processing and Digital Communications with a desire to learn.  

• Experience with any of the following: MATLAB, C/C++, Python, VHDL.  

• Experience with FPGA hardware.  

• Previous experience testing, fielding, or developing GNSS systems.  

• Understanding of DevOps.  

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree

• General understanding, knowledge and/or project experience in one or more of the following:

  • GNURadio, USRPs, or the GNSS SDR Linux, Real-Time Operating Systems, and DevOps tools (Jira, Git, Jenkins), Docker

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 - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

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 various 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 employer. 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.