Entry Level DSP & SDR Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Chantilly, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a DSP & SDR Engineer to join the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), specifically within the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department. This role supports critical programs vital to the success of current and future space architectures, offering the opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts and provide strategic guidance to the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community. The position is full-time and on-site in Chantilly, VA. MPD is a pioneer in remote sensing systems, with expertise in electronics, sensors, radar, AI, and advanced data networks, driving innovation through research, development, demonstration, and integration. The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department manages the full communications chain from RF signals to digital bits, encompassing modeling, simulation, RF chain analysis/design, and software-defined radio systems. They develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative antenna designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• 0-1 year of industry work experience.
• Experience with scientific programming using languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C.
• Exposure to a laboratory environment with common RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, etc.
• Understanding of basic DSP principles such as modulation, filtering, and sampling with the ability to apply them toward custom algorithms.
• 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 to obtain this level of security clearance.
• Transcripts.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• Active DoD security clearance.
• Experience working with software defined radios or embedded electronics.
• Exposure to RF communication system principles, design, and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on relevant high impact tasks.
• Familiarity with programming and interfacing with linux-based systems including SDRs, FPGAs, laboratory equipment, and other embedded devices for custom applications with real world performance requirements.
• Experience with utilizing machine learning workflows or HPC hardware for digital signal processing applications.
• Understanding of computer networking principles and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with the department's laboratory infrastructure, including advanced SDR hardware platforms, CI/CD development environments, high performance compute hardware, and RF test and measurement instrumentation.
• Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, data processing, and hardware prototyping.
• Use technical abilities and insights to ensure ongoing development programs remain successful and identify areas of improvement for future missions.
• Support technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and be able to document and present findings to a wide audience.
• Work closely with other subject area experts in cross-organizational teams; participating in interfaces with customers and/or Aerospace program offices.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level