Communication & Network Architect - Principal Scientist/Engineer
About The Position
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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! Aerospace’s Communication and Network Architecture Sub-division (CNAS), which is part of the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), is seeking a Principal Scientist / Engineer (PSE) in Communications and Network Architectures. This candidate will fill an existing PSE position that has recently opened up. This role will be part of the CNAS team focused on developing and integrating resilient communication and network technical capabilities for use by a wide variety of customers across the Aerospace enterprise. The PSE will have deep expertise in network technologies from both the defense and commercial sectors, including experience with the rapid rise of pLEO, optical crosslinks, AI/ML, and adaptive networks, which are transforming both space and ground networks. The PSE will help shape CNAS efforts to develop and build the next generation of network engineering capabilities, including the tools, procedures, testbeds and prototypes needed to stay ahead of emerging requirements and ensure technical feasibility. The PSE will also help drive integration of commercial capabilities into future government architectures. The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM, Engineering, or a related technical field
- 15+ years’ experience in communications and space and ground network systems architecture design, with a track record of innovation and development of new technology solutions in these areas.
- Direct experience leading technology development of communication systems, space and ground network and resilient communication solutions.
- Specific experience in architecting, designing, modeling and testing SATCOM architectures for government applications
- Experience leading space and ground data network architecture-related R&D initiatives
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multidisciplined teams and engage with internal and external stakeholders
- Experience working with senior government officials, industry partners, and research communities
- Demonstrated mentoring and developing technical talent
- This position requires ability to attain Top Secret/SCI clearance and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance; (ability to be vetted for US Government Compartmented and Special Access Programs)
- Strong sense of urgency and an ability to drive pragmatic execution to meet objectives.
Nice To Haves
- An advanced degree in STEM, or degree in Computer Science, or a related technical field
- Demonstrated expertise with problem-solving and independent analysis, and a commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready solutions that empower mission success in the rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.
- Extensive examples of applying technical rigor and delivering actionable insights, while utilizing risk mitigation processes (across cost, schedule and technical risks), to save time and resources on critical national security and commercial space programs
- Successful track record of prototyping early solutions that were successfully transitioned to the broader community
- Experience establishing joint partnerships across the communication and network architecture community to deliver mission impact to our customers
- Knowledge of AI/ML for network orchestration, routing selection, advanced waveforms and resilient solutions.
- Direct experience designing and developing applications for space systems and/or satellite ground systems
- Experience working across sensitive and compartmented DoD and Intelligence community missions
Responsibilities
- Work directly with government customers to drive the rapid development of innovative space communication network architectures and related ground networks to meet the needs of a multitude of programs in National Security Space
- Help identify prototyping opportunities and with developing internal laboratory testbeds necessary to position CNAS and Aerospace for a leadership role with both commercial providers and government stakeholders
- With unique knowledge of customer challenges across the space enterprise, contribute to CNAS strategic planning activities to help grow Aerospace’s leadership role
- Collaborate across CNAS, MPD and ETG as needed to integrate activities for a more impactful approach to delivering networking capabilities to our customers.
- Mentor and advise staff in communication and network architecture principles and in the introduction of new approaches to different applications
- Provide input to management on technical succession planning and skillset requirements
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
