RF Systems Engineer (MTS/Sr. MTS)

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 Communication Technologies & Engineering Division addresses two complementary and pervasive areas of technology and Communications. Both aspects of the division touch virtually all programs supported by The Aerospace Corporation throughout their lifecycles. The division provides in-depth technical expertise in all aspects of these disciplines. Communications includes both the point-to-point transmission of information as well as the embedding of those links within a networked environment. The division is composed of approximately 200 technical experts and support staff located at Aerospace offices including Chantilly, Colorado Springs, and El Segundo.

We are looking for a RF Engineer (Aerospace Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff) to help lead our modeling and simulation, prototyping and testbed development work. The range of work includes cubesat payload development, signal collection, prototypes, antenna modeling and measurements in our anechoic chamber, software defined radio communications and signal collections systems, and RF system in support of prototyping and customer developments. Our group supports exciting programs such as the Aerospace CubeSat SlingShot Platform, and development of advanced labs such as Payload Characterization and Environments (PACE) Lab, Join us on the leading edge of advanced electronics.

Work Model: This position is based in Chantilly, VA and requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

Job Summary:

Provide subject matter expertise in RF components and systems and/or antennas and antenna systems by analyzing RF systems and components using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements

Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and reports findings. Initiates studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions within area of expertise of advanced RF systems. Provides ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action

Lead cross-organizational teams and organizes interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices. May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources. Acts as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

Utilize laboratory facilities including our PACE anechoic chamber, RF signals lab, and remote testing vehicle for performance testing, prototype development, and contractor oversight

Support our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office

Adapt to changing industry trends and explore new concepts outside your comfort zone

What You Need to be Successful – Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline

3 years of relevant experience

RF system design and analysis to include antenna and/or RF components

Experience using commercial and/or custom modeling and simulation tools for RF analysis

Laboratory environment work with RF hardware and test equipment

Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of time.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required

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

Minimum Requirements:

All of the above requirements with a total of 5 years of relevant experience

Experience architecting and implementing antenna and RF system solutions with real-world performance requirements

Experience leading RF development projects and mentoring junior staff

How You Can Stand Out

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

Advanced technical degree, MS or PhD, in Electrical Engineering or another related discipline with a focus on Electromagnetics, Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, or another related field

Experience with phased arrays, metamaterials, and/or patch antenna modelling, design, fab, and test in a research and development setting

Proficiency with a variety of popular analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and/or GRASP

A background in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Python, Rust, or Julia

Current U.S. Government security clearance – Secret Level or higher

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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

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