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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Resiliency Futures Office (RFO), within in the Advanced Technology Division (ATD) of NSG, provides programmatic and technical expertise to critical government programs in the areas of technology development and technology maturation spanning both space and ground capabilities. We are looking for an RF Systems Engineer (Project Engineer Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Communication Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering) who will be a key contributor to the development of boundary-pushing space systems and their integration into the space enterprise. This includes providing technical expertise for the design and operation of resilient or non-traditional RF systems along with supporting technical studies and performance testing associated with space-based and ground-based communication systems. 

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Government & SETA counterparts to advance and lead RF systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, test, and evaluation across multiple levels of maturity
• Advancing and applying tools and techniques to derive, analyze, and verify the performance of RF satellite communications systems across both space-based and ground-based elements
• Researching and guiding the development of next generation RF systems and technologies
• Identifying and pursuing new opportunities for Aerospace prototyping and technology risk reduction activities
• Leveraging the Aerospace Engineering Matrix to build teams of subject matter experts to assess and guide new developments or solve emerging problems in critical technology areas

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering - RF

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics or a related technical discipline from a recognized institution, or equivalent experience; 
• 6 or more years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities
• Experienced in RF payloads design, development, integration, test, and/or on-orbit operations
• A background in communication systems and the associated methods for analyzing their performance
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering - RF

• 10 or more years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and coordinate the technical activities of multiple contributors

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) related discipline
• Demonstrated experience with resilient or non-traditional RF communication systems and technologies
• Hands-on experience developing and delivering RF payloads or subsystems through all stages of a program lifecycle
• Familiarity with US government acquisition policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work asynchronously across multiple fast-paced teams in multiple locations

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.