The Aerospace Corporation

RF/Microwave Engineer - Senior Member of Technical Staff

The Aerospace Corporation$110K — $165K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
  • Five or more years related technical experience in microwave engineering.
  • Experience with modeling or measuring radar, sensor, and communication payload hardware.
  • Proficient in using network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and waveform generators.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving creativity and strong communication skills.
  • Ability to influence technical decisions and engage team members.
  • Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI US security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads for government missions.
  • Employ advanced microwave measurement techniques and operate specialized test equipment.
  • Create RF payload prototypes and emulators to connect theoretical designs with practical applications.
  • Generate performance budgets and run simulations to predict system behaviors before physical implementation.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot hardware issues through rigorous experimentation and analysis.
  • Collaborate with diverse teams to solve complex challenges in space technology.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
  • Flexible work schedules and telework options.
  • 401(k) with company-paid contributions based on service.
  • Education and professional development assistance.
  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Inclusive work environment fostering teamwork and respect.
Full Job Description

The Communication Electronics Department is looking for an RF/Microwave Engineer who wants their work to matter – someone ready to own projects across the lifecycle of analysis, design, and measurement that will transform the next generation of RF and microwave space systems.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Shape the future of space hardware – Provide expert guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads that contractors build for critical government missions

  • Master the art of measurement – employ advanced microwave measurement techniques and operate specialized microwave test equipment

  • Build what doesn't exist yet – Create RF payload prototypes and emulators that bridge the gap between theory and orbit

  • Model complex systems – Generate performance budgets and run circuit simulations (ADS, Microwave Office) that predict how systems will behave before a single component is soldered

  • Become an anomaly detective – When hardware misbehaves (and it will), you'll be the one who combines analytical rigor with hands-on experimentation to find out why

  • Collaborate in real-time and space – Work side-by-side with talented engineers and technicians to solve the hardest problems in the space enterprise

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of the Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

  • Five or more years related (including post graduate studies) technical experience in any of the following microwave engineering areas

    • Modeling of microwave and/or millimeter-wave circuits using ADS OR Microwave Office

    • Relevant experience with modeling or measuring performance of radar, sensor, and/or communication payload hardware and systems

    • Modeling of microwave semiconductors or plasma devices

  • Experience with manual and remote operation of network analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators and other instrumentation

  • Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, handling ambiguity and imperfectly defined problems, an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills

  • Ability to engage others and influence technical decisions.

  • Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:

  • Seven or more years of relevant experience with communication or radar payload hardware

  • Mentoring of junior personnel

  • Technical team leadership

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Current SECRET or TS/SCI clearances

  • Experience operating high-power microwave amplifiers

  • Experience with applying AI/ML to microwave design problems

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$110,400.00 - $165,500.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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

About The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation is a nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) headquartered in El Segundo, California. The corporation provides technical guidance and advice on all aspects of space missions to military, civil, and commercial customers. Aerospace also designs and develops spacecraft, sensors, and other systems in support of national security, civil, and commercial customers. The corporation has more than 4,000 employees and operates a number of laboratories and test facilities across the United States.
Learn more about The Aerospace Corporation
Size
4,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1960

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