Associate Communications Systems Engineer

Position: 2026 Associate Communications 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communication Systems Engineer for the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.
** Job Summary
** 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!

As part of MPD, the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) performs analysis, modeling and simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, signals, and signal processing algorithms for our customers. As a Communications Systems Engineer (Associate Member of Technical Staff - Communications Systems Engineering) within CSED, you will be solving challenging technical problems in the areas of communication, counter-communication, and related digital signal processing.

Your technical expertise will help support various US Government military and national program needs as well as shape their futures!
** What You’ll Be Doing
*** Solve technical problems, under supervision and guidance, on projects involving:  + Physical layer modeling & simulation  + Communication waveform design and performance analysis  + Communication link budget analysis  + Development and evaluation of program requirements, interfaces, and verification processes  + Digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development  + Hardware prototyping and testing in the laboratory and in the field
* Translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined, and methodical technical plans
* Communicate technical results clearly in written reports and presentations
** What Corporate Skills You ’ll Bring
*** Strong written and oral communication skills
* Must work well in a team environment
* Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
* Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
* Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
** What You Need to be Successful
*** Minimum Requirements
** Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline, pursuing or conferred within last 12 months.
* Minimum GPA of 3.0
* 0-1 year of industry work experience
* Coursework and/or academic project knowledge of communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance)
* MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++ programming experience.
* Willing to travel occasionally domestically to support customer needs
* This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
* Transcripts required.
** How You Can Stand Out
*** It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
** GPA 3.5 or higher
* Active security clearance
*…