Senior Communication Architect and 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!

Within MPD, the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) drives three interconnected lines of work:
Trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize communications performance across satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems RF communications prototyping, with a strong focus on commercial LEO (pLEO) and MEO satellite systems Spectrum policy and regulation development, ensuring critical wireless systems maintain access to the spectrum resources they need We guide Department of War, intelligence community, and civil/commercial customers on some of the nation's most critical missions — and we're looking for a technical leader to help shape that future.

The Senior Engineering Specialist – Communications Systems Engineering designs, develops, models, simulates, tests, and analyzes communications systems, subsystems, and electronic signals for communication networks, data links, digital radio, battle management, and command and control (C2) systems. Examples include wide and local area networks, point-to-point systems, and secure systems. This role applies deep knowledge of communications systems (e.g., modulation schema, signal coding), digital and wireless radio/communications technology, and network architecture design — spanning terrestrial networks to next-generation satellite constellations.

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

• Lead long-range technical studies on space-based communication systems—including commercial pLEO and MEO constellations, next-generation cellular, hybrid military and commercial systems as well as secure military networks
• Proactively identify emerging SATCOM technical problems and deliver novel solutions
• Lead the development and demonstration of working prototypes using novel hardware and emerging commercial systems to showcase capability improvements
• Advise management, government customers, and contractors on technical direction and emerging risks
• Represent CAD and Aerospace at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
• Lead cross-organizational teams and coordinate large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines
• Mentor less experienced staff and serve as a technical role model
• Document work in briefings and technical reports, with opportunities to lead internal R&D projects, conduct field work, and publish for conferences and journals

• Minimum Requirements:
  
  Bachelor's degree…