RF and Antenna Engineer - Eng Specialist/Sr Eng Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation • Chantilly, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an RF and Antenna Engineer to join the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), specifically within the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department. This role supports critical programs vital to 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 division pioneers remote sensing systems and advances technology in electronics, sensors, radar, AI, and advanced data networks. The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department manages the full communications chain, from RF signals to digital bits, with expertise in 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 approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement. This position requires full-time on-site work in Chantilly, VA.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience (for Engineering Specialist)
• Minimum of twelve years of experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibility (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
• Strong understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, and electromagnetic field theory
• Familiarity with wireless communication links, including link budget analysis, modulation techniques, and frequency allocations
• Practical skills in the use of standard measurement equipment like Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power meters
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation, design reports, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance
• Experience architecting, planning, and leading complex RF and antenna projects including mentoring of junior staff (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
• Able to translate, tailor, and present (written and orally) complex technical concepts to stakeholders of varying knowledge levels, including non-specialists (for Senior Engineering Specialist)

Nice To Haves

• 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 in the modeling, design, fabrication, and test of various antenna types (e.g., horn, patch, phased array)
• Experience with electromagnetic and RF simulation software tools such as Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, GRASP, Keysight ADS, Microwave Office, or similar tools
• Comfortable in common and relevant programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for data analysis, scripting, or building custom analysis tools
• Previous experience in the use of anechoic chambers for RF and antenna measurements
• Current Top Secret security clearance with SCI access

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in antennas and antenna systems and/or RF components and systems using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements
• Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing
• Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and author report findings
• Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors
• Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and/or opportunities and provide recommended courses of action
• Lead cross-organizational teams, organize 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

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