Associate Director- Antenna Systems Department
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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division. The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.
As the Associate Director of the Antenna Systems Department, you will manage the Phased Array and Antenna Analysis section and provide technical and managerial leadership to a multitude of US government, civil, commercial, and international customers.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You will be the guiding force behind the development of a phased array and beamforming testbed
- Your responsibilities
- Establish the organization’s objectives, strategy and goals and communicate them to staff, management, and interfacing matrix organizations.
- Seek and identify opportunities for additional, expanded and new business and assists higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new opportunities
- Interface with department customers and direct organizational resources to effectively respond
- Assemble and direct teams to analyze, define, and satisfy customer needs from available resources.
- Propose internal research and development efforts
- Other managerial duties include staff tasking, staff performance assessment and development, hire as needed
- Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, related engineering or physics discipline
- 8 years of progressively responsible engineering experience
- Technical experience in the following antenna and communication systems areas:
- Antenna theory and design
- RF and antenna measurement plans
- Trade studies of spacecraft antennas and ground comm systems
- Demonstrated team leadership, customer responsiveness, creativity in problem-solving and addressing teaming/interpersonal challenges, ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills
- Willing to travel domestically approx.10 – 15%
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Advanced degree from an accredited program in electrical engineering, related engineering or physics discipline
- Over 12 years of experience in RF communication systems
- Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Previous line or team management experience and Aerospace Corp program office experience
- Proficiency using 3D, full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, TICRA Tools, GRASP
- Experience automating test equipment with MATLAB or Python
- Transitioning internal research and design projects to product development
- Technical experience in the following space communication systems areas: small satellite comm, system requirement definition, research and development, phased arrays, nulling and beamforming, reflector design, far-field and near-field antenna measurements
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.