RF and Antenna Engineer - Eng Specialist​/Sr Eng Specialist

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 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!

The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division, excels in managing the full communications chain-from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. We leverage this deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

We are looking for an RF and Antenna Engineer to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success of today's and tomorrow's space architectures. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts while providing strategic guidance to both the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector.

Work Model:
The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

* Provide subject matter expertise in antennas and antenna systems and/or RF components and systems using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements

* Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing

* Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and author report findings

* Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and/or opportunities and provide recommended courses of action

* Lead cross-organizational teams, organize interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices. May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources.

* Acts as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

* Willingness to travel up to 10% of time

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

* A bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field

* Minimum of eight years of relevant experience

* Strong understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, and electromagnetic field theory

* Familiarity with wireless communication links, including link budget analysis, modulation techniques, and frequency allocations

* Practical skills in the use of standard measurement equipment like Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power meters

* Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation, design reports, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams

* This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued…