2026 RF / Microwave Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

6d•$90,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a full-time, onsite RF/Microwave Engineer for the Communication Electronics Department (CED) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), based in El Segundo, California. The selected candidate will own projects across analysis, design, and measurement to help advance the next generation of RF and microwave space systems. The role provides technical guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads built by contractors for critical government missions. The engineer will use microwave measurement techniques and specialized test equipment, create RF payload prototypes and emulators, generate performance budgets, run circuit simulations, and investigate hardware anomalies through analytical and hands-on work. The position involves close collaboration with engineers and technicians. The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center supporting defense, civil, and commercial space programs. MPD works across remote sensing, electronics, sensors, radar, AI, and advanced data networks, using research and development, laboratories, prototyping, demonstration, and integration to support its clients. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government TS//SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this clearance. The annual grade-based pay range is $90,000 to $140,000, with individual compensation determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline, pursuing or conferred within 12 months, from an accredited college or university.
0–1 year of industry experience.
Experience or coursework in analog/RF/microwave circuits and systems, electromagnetics, or communication systems engineering.
Experience using 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 assembling, tuning, testing, and/or troubleshooting electronics in a laboratory environment.
Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Active security clearance.
Laboratory experience working with microwave circuits or components and associated test equipment, such as network analyzers and spectrum analyzers.
Experience providing deliverables, briefing management and customers, and/or publishing academic research.

Responsibilities

Provide guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads for critical government missions.
Employ microwave measurement techniques and operate specialized microwave test equipment.
Create RF payload prototypes and emulators.
Generate performance budgets and run circuit simulations to predict system behavior.
Investigate hardware anomalies using analytical methods and hands-on experimentation.
Collaborate with engineers and technicians on space enterprise challenges.

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 benefits 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.