Communications Hardware Test Engineering Lead

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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation and controls;

robotics; electro‑mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

VSD partners closely with the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division in support of the NASA customer across all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a Communications Hardware Test Lead (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Communication Systems Engineering) to support the test and verification of RF systems across NASA’s human spaceflight portfolio. In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center VIPER (Vehicle Integrated Performance, Environments and Resources) team with technical expertise and leadership in the design, development, and execution of tests for radio frequency devices and systems, ensuring they meet performance specs, analyzing data, troubleshooting issues, and creating test procedures involving wireless protocols like CCSDS.

You will also provide operational support during missions and will be responsible for ensuring reliable communication between the spacecraft and ground systems throughout its lifecycle, including launch, on‑orbit operations, and landing.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

• Develop and execute tests of RF devices and systems, including signal analysis devices like VNAs and analyzing data to troubleshoot issues
• Lead and develop a team of VIPER engineers in managing RF communication systems and providing real‑time on‑orbit support
• Perform/Oversee integrated analysis and testing of spacecraft communications systems, hardware, and software in relation to other systems, operational environment, and required operational capabilities
• Review and assess communication requirements and Verification & Validation (V&V) plans for Communications System impacts, including integrated testing, analysis, and decomposition
• Communicate spacecraft communications subsystem architectures and assess impacts of changes to requirements, V&V, integrated testing, designs, and program decisions
• Identify, communicate, track, and mitigate Communications subsystem risks
• Lead and oversee component and subsystem‑level trade studies to inform decision‑making
• Maintain productive working relationships with cross‑program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and module providers
• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Communication Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 6+ years of experience with communications hardware systems, including design and testing tools
• Expertise in communications hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols
• Experience working with various space‑to‑ground communications protocols, such as CCSDS
• Familiarity with avionic system safety, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis
• Willing to travel domestically as…