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 operationsA 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  addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering - RF10 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…