IC 2027 RF Spectrum 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.

Internship conversion position for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

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!

CAD is responsible for performing trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, and launch vehicle systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Analyze, study, propose, and shape the next generation of communication architectures, requirements, and space policy for customers such as the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

• Perform radio frequency interference analysis of communication systems to promote spectrum sharing and resolve spectrum contention issues

• Provide analysis and evaluations of national and international spectrum policy activities

• Survey and identify trends in spectrum usage and develop new communication architectures and concepts

• Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communications links, and wireless network protocols

• Potential for hands-on field-testing, including antenna, coaxial cables, RJ45, LNB, BUC, etc

• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 

• Training and mentorship will be provided 

• Some travel, approximately less than 10%, is possible

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring  

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Must work well in a team environment

• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful   

Minimum Requirements  

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• 0-1 year of industry work experience  

• Coursework or prior project experience in communication systems, architectures, and networks

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

• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• GPA 3.5 or higher  

• Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance

• Working knowledge of interoperability and standards; spectrum management; protocols and infrastructures; wireless communications and network design

• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, MATLAB

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.