Senior RF Spectrum 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 Communication Architectures Department (CAD) performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also provides radio frequency (RF) spectrum engineering to future military, civil, and commercial systems and guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources.

We are seeking a Senior RF Spectrum Engineer (Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist – Communications Systems Engineering) to support multiple facets of spectrum management and engineering such as performing interference analysis to support individual programs’ spectrum certification requirements and facilitating coordination between multiple stakeholders. We work with customers throughout the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community, and civil agencies.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

• Perform radio frequency interference analysis and modeling of communications systems to evaluate spectrum sharing strategies and avoid harmful interference.
• Use knowledge of RF communications and spectrum regulations to guide program design decisions and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support programs through spectrum registration and coordination processes.
• Coordinate with program offices, federal spectrum agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Mentor junior employees in spectrum management and engineering.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant technical experience.
• Knowledge of International Telecommunications Union (ITU), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum management processes.
• Knowledge of RF communications systems and architectures.
• Project development experience and ability to lead small teams of engineers.
• Ability to present results effectively in briefings and technical reports.
• Some travel, approximately less than 10%, is anticipated.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required.

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant technical experience.
• Proven project development and technical leadership experience.

• Master’s or PhD in engineering or related discipline.
• Knowledge of various government programs and commercial satellite systems.
• Proficiency in Python or Matlab.
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as STK and Visualyse.
• Prior experience with…