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.
The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
Electronic Programs Division's Directorate L is seeking a Spacecraft Comms Engineer (Senior Project Engineer-Communications Systems Engineering ) to provide embedded support to a government program office engaged in several exciting major systems acquisitions being executed with tailored, agile approaches, and risk profiles. As Spacecraft Comms Engineer, you will provide deep technical expertise and critical recommendations to the Government for the acquisition of cutting-edge spacecraft capabilities.
Work Model:
This is a full time position which requires 100% on site work in Chantilly VA.
What You'll Be Doing
- Provide on-site Aerospace support to the government customer and collaborate with the customer, SETA contractors, and development contractors to meet mission needs.
- Provide technical advice on the acquisition though operation of the spacecraft communications systems - to include RF, Optical, and encryption/decryption components.
- Coordinate with corporate technical SMEs across the enterprise to support data driven recommendations for decision making.
- Leverage the Aerospace "backplane" to collaborate across Group, Office, and Directorate boundaries to promote and ensure clean interfaces between internal and external customers
- Guide responsive, independent laboratory testing, non-destructive imaging, analysis, and modeling and simulation to resolve difficult technical issues
- Participate in source selection activities, providing evaluation of proposed technical designs, and risk assessments.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Sr . Project Engineer-Communications Systems Engineering :
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field
- 12 or more years of relevant space communications experience
- Expertise in at least one Spacecraft Communications area: RF and/or Optical
- Willing to travel domestically approx. 25% of the time
- This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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:
- An advanced degree in a relevant STEM field
- Direct experience developing NRO spacecraft communications systems
- Experience with RF and Optical space communication systems
- Demonstrated ability to communicate well in the spoken, written and electronic format
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, contractors, company peers, and matrixed engineering staff
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
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 at You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.