Communication Systems and Signal Processing 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 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.
The Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) performs analysis, simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, signals, and signal processing algorithms for our customers. As an Engineering Specialist within CSED, you will execute complex projects in communication systems and signal processing. Your technical expertise will help shape the future of communication in national security space systems.
What You'll Be Doing
- Independently execute projects involving
- Physical and link-layer communication
- Digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms
- Sophisticated communication systems simulations
- Space and terrestrial communication system architectures
- Communications link performance analysis evaluation
- Payload hardware design and evaluation
- Provide technical advice on satellite communication systems and signal processing to internal and external customers.
- Mentor other engineers and university interns.
- Develop and implement innovative technical concepts.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements
- Degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or mathematics
- Typically, eight or more years of experience in the design, analysis, and simulation of communication systems
- A strong understanding of communication systems theory, including modulation, coding, and synchronization
- A strong understanding of digital signal processing and statistics
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement communication and signal processing simulations in MATLAB, Python, or C++
- Ability to mentor other engineers
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including delivering presentations and writing technical reports
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering, science, or mathematics, with advanced academic work in communication systems and signal processing
- Knowledge of anti-jam waveforms, array processing, interference mitigation, and geolocation
- Knowledge of information theory and modern channel coding
- Knowledge of complex multi-user communication systems, including mobile wireless (5G), mesh networks, and satellite data networks
- Knowledge of GPS/GNSS systems and signal processing
- Knowledge of and the ability to collaborate with experts in networking, cryptography, and cybersecurity
- Knowledge of machine learning and its application to communication systems
- Experience with prototype development, especially with software-defined radios (SDRs)
- Experience with modern software-development practices and tools
- Practical experience with communications hardware, including antennas, RF electronics, digital electronics, and communication system testbeds
- Experience with the space industry, including commercial space, Space Force, and the Intelligence Community
- Experience with government acquisitions and source selection processes
- Strong systems engineering knowledge, including the development and flow-down of requirements
- An active Top Secret clearance with SSBI.
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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion,genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law andthe supplement, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.