2026 RF / Microwave Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

8d•$90,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an RF/Microwave Engineer for the Communication Electronics Department (CED) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position is full-time, onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA. 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! Job Summary Selected candidate will own projects across the lifecycle of analysis, design, and measurement that will transform the next generation of RF and microwave space systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline, pursuing or conferred within 12 months from an accredited college or university
0-1 year of industry experience
Experience or course work in any of the following microwave specialty areas: Analog/RF/Microwave circuits and systems, Electromagnetics, Communication Systems Engineering
Experience using any of the following tools/software: Microwave Office, ADS, Cadence, HFSS, CST, Sonnet, AXIEM, or similar software
Ability to work with Python, MATLAB, or Excel for instrumentation automation and/or data and signals analysis
Hands-on experience with assembling, tuning, testing and/or troubleshooting electronics in a laboratory environment
Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree
Active security clearance
Experience in a laboratory environment working with microwave circuits or components and associated test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and other relevant equipment)
Experience providing deliverables, briefing management and customers, and/or publishing academic research

Responsibilities

Shape the future of space hardware – Provide guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads that contractors build for critical government missions
Master the art of measurement – Employ microwave measurement techniques and operate specialized microwave test equipment
Build what doesn't exist yet – Create RF payload prototypes and emulators that bridge the gap between theory and orbit
Model complex systems – Generate performance budgets and run circuit simulations (ADS, Microwave Office) that predict how systems will behave before a single component is soldered
Become an anomaly detective – When hardware misbehaves (and it will), you'll be the one who combines analytical rigor with hands-on experimentation to find out why
Collaborate in real-time and space – Work side-by-side with talented engineers and technicians to solve the hardest problems in the space enterprise

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