Communications and Signal Processing 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.

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 selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. This opportunity includes significant engagement with customers, requiring frequent visits to local customer facilities.
** What You’ll Be Doing
*** Performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio systems and related signal processing, including channel effects and related hardware distortion effects that impact wideband communications and collection receiver performance.  Scope may include all or a portion of transmitter distortions, channel effects, receiver RF chain (antenna through analog to digital conversion), and application-specific DSP backend processing.
* Performing studies and analytical trades across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications.
* Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
* Contributing within CSAD, where you'll develop your skills through a combination of independent technical assignments and collaborative team-based projects
* Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of technical issues and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk reduction efforts, an on-orbit testing
* Acting as the organizations designated representative at customer program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia
** What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff
**
* Minimum Requirements:

** A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
* Coursework in the areas of digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python
* Experience with digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, etc.
* Three or more years of industry work experience
* Willing to travel domestically/internationally infrequently, as needed
* This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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
** Engineering Specialist:
*** Eight or more years of experience in radio satellite systems communications modeling and simulation
* Experience building and leading teams during the advanced development, integration and testing of radio communications and/or collection systems
** How You Can Stand Out
*** It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
** Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering
* Five or more years of experience in Satellite Communications, or advanced signal processing techniques
* Demonstrated expertise in RF systems design and analysis
* Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and implementations
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with…