Communication Systems Engineer – Member Technical Staff​/Senior Member Technical Staff

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!

• Solve technical problems, under supervision and guidance, on projects involving:
  • Physical layer modeling & simulation
  • Communication waveform design and performance analysis
  • Position, navigation, and timing signals design and analysis
  • Communication link budget analysis
  • Evaluation of programs of record and future programs in various technical areas including satellite communications, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic warfare (EW)
  • 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

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline
• Two or more years of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience
• Understanding of several communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation theory, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance)
• Fluency in at least one of the following programming languages: MATLAB, Python, C/C++
• The ability to obtain a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government (U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance)
• Willingness to commit to 10–20% domestic travel depending on customer needs

• Five or more years of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience
• Demonstrated senior technical authority and consultant roles

• M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline
• Experience with RF satellite communication systems (hardware and software, systems engineering, RF system design requirements development, integration and test, system development, or related field)
• Working knowledge of US government programs in the areas of protected communications, navigation, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and/or electronic warfare (EW)
• Hands‑on experience with modeling and simulation of anti‑jam waveforms, spread spectrum, beamforming, array processing, interference mitigation, and geolocation techniques
• Experience with prototype development, especially with software‑defined radios (SDRs)
• Knowledge of machine learning theory, practices, and tools
• Active TS/SCI clearance or SAP access

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your…