Communications Hardware 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.
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.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Conduct independent assessment, evaluation, and verification during trade study evaluations.
- Perform communication system and subsystem analyses to support requirement development, Request for Proposal (RFP) and source selection activities.
- Predict and evaluate hardware performance and degradation using analytical or simulation tools.
- Perform system and link analyses, detailed system architecture trade studies and technology evaluations.
- Participate in quick-turnaround conceptual design and advanced architecture studies for various government, civil and commercial communication and navigation systems; assemble and lead multi-disciplined teams as needed to provide a timely response.
- Support program design reviews, integration & test phases, spacecraft launch, and in-orbit check-out.
- Provide timely written and verbal technical assessment reports to program office, line management, and technical conferences.
* This role can be filled as Level 1 or Level 2*
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Level 1:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, physics or another related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of related engineering experience.
- Technical knowledge in the following areas is required: digital and bent-pipe communication systems; navigation systems; tracking, telemetry and commanding space-to-ground systems, analog and digital communication modulation and coding theory, electromagnetic theory, and digital communication hardware.
- Digital communication subsystem and system hardware assembly, integration and test (AI&T) in space communication systems, navigation systems, or TT&C systems.
- Anomaly and failure analysis management and resolution for AI&T of space systems.
- Analog and digital communication link analysis and trades.
- Current and Active Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Minimum Requirements for Level 2:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, physics or another related field and a minimum of 8 years of related experience.
- Technical knowledge in the following areas is required: digital and bent-pipe communication systems; navigation systems; tracking, telemetry and commanding space-to-ground systems, analog and digital communication modulation and coding theory, electromagnetic theory, and digital communication hardware.
- Digital communication subsystem and system hardware assembly, integration and test (AI&T) in space communication systems, navigation systems, or TT&C systems.
- Anomaly and failure analysis management and resolution for AI&T of space systems.
- Analog and digital communication link analysis and trades.
- Current and Active Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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 university
- 8 years experience supporting SMC and NRO space programs as a communications engineer.
- Experience in SPW, MATLAB, Microsoft Visio, Visual Basic.
- Navigation payload systems experience.
- Space communication security and transmission security methods and hardware experience.
- Requirement definition and concept design of space communication or navigation systems.
- Communication system simulation analysis experience.
- GPS receivers for space applications.
- Satellite terminal communication system experience.
- Cryptography experience.
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.