Research and Development Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

3d•$160,300 - $240,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Advanced Research and Engineering Sub-Division is seeking a Research and Development Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer – Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) to support the R&D portfolio of a major intelligence agency. The role leverages expertise across the corporation to research, develop, and demonstrate next-generation space technologies for a national security space portfolio. The engineer will advise the customer on critical technologies spanning overhead intelligence systems, ground and communications, autonomy, and machine learning. This full-time position is based in Chantilly and requires 100% onsite work. Occasional travel is required. The position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance. The stated annual grade-based pay range is $160,300 to $240,500. Individual salary is determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills. The company describes a competitive compensation package and offers benefits that vary by job type.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
10 or more years of relevant experience.
Experience in R&D of new technologies for space systems, such as sensors, processing, or communications, especially in one or more of the following: RF components, architectures, and signal processing; EO or RF remote sensing technologies; microelectronics space applications; materials and materials processing; quantum computing.
Experience in technical project management, scoping projects, and leveraging interdisciplinary teams.
Ability to be proactive, think strategically, and anticipate needs.
Current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
Direct experience with government or commercial space systems.

Responsibilities

Manage systems analysis, modeling and simulation, and technical assessment activities across the customer portfolio.
Leverage experts across the corporation to scope, direct, and integrate technical analysis supporting R&D of new materials, technologies, and systems for overhead intelligence collection and processing.
Evaluate the impact of new concepts, technologies, and CONOPs on the national security space architecture.
Provide rigorous technical analysis to inform government decisions on future technology and demonstration system investments.
Interface daily with mid- and senior-level government officials, SETA, and contractor personnel as part of a small team in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
Flexible spending accounts.
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional growth and development programs.
Education assistance programs.
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.