Senior RF Spectrum Engineer - (Hybrid)

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.

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 (CTED). CTED comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

We are looking to hire a Senior RF Spectrum Engineer within the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within CTED. CAD provides architecture design via trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. Additionally, CAD provides radio frequency (RF) spectrum engineering for future and existing military, civil and commercial systems. With today’s proliferated systems, rapid acquisition timelines, and enhanced resiliency, RF spectrum is contested. Architecting this generation of comm systems while proactively addressing spectrum engineering is the mission of CAD. We are recognized experts in RF spectrum engineering and RF interference analysis and mitigation.

*This role may have the flexibility to support in a hybrid work model; however, the majority will be required onsite in Chantilly, VA.

**This position can either be filled as a Senior Engineering Specialist OR a Senior Project Leader. Level determined will be commensurate with experience.

Job Summary:

• Provide systems engineering expertise for space and terrestrial communication architectures
• Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communications links, and wireless network protocols
• Provide support to Electronic Warfare (EW) studies
• Analyze/shape/propose/study/recommend the next generation of communication architectures, requirements, and space policy for customers such as the Department of Defense (DoD)
• Perform radio frequency interference analysis and modeling of communication systems to promote spectrum sharing and resolve spectrum contention issues
• Provide analysis and evaluations of national and international spectrum policy activities
• Survey and identify trends in spectrum usage and develop new communication architectures and concepts

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements (Senior Engineering Specialist):

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant field
• Minimum of 8-years of experience of International Telecommunications Union (ITU) or National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum management processes
• Knowledge of enterprise-level satellite communications architecture design
• Project development experience and ability to lead small teams of engineers
• Ability to present results effectively in briefings and technical reports
• Able to work and learn new concepts that go beyond communications engineering
• This position requires the ability to obtain security clearance (including a TS/SCI), which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Minimum Requirements (Senior Project Leader):

• All the above requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist
• Minimum of 10-years of experience of International Telecommunications Union (ITU) or National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum management processes
• Proven project development and technical leadership experience to lead small teams of engineers
• Proven business development skills with new customers
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills when working independently or in a team setting
• Exceptional presentation skills for senior government customers
• Thorough understanding of space and terrestrial communications technologies.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in engineering or related field
• Experience in enterprise-level satellite communications architectures design
• New business development experience
• Knowledge of government programs (SSC and NRO) and commercial satellite systems
• Experience with terrestrial communication (5G LTE) and or protected communications.
• Experience in supporting Electronic Warfare (EW) studies.
• Possess a current and active U.S. Government Security Clearance.

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.