SATCOM Payload Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a SATCOM Payload Engineer for the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) program, the next-generation nuclear command, control, and communication satellite system. The role serves as a technical advisor for payload engineering within an integrated program office supporting the U.S. Space Force. The engineer will focus on satellite RF payload subsystems, including phased array antenna and XDR modem subsystems, and help ensure acquisition strategies align with mission capability requirements. The position works with a payload engineering team and interfaces with Space Force leadership, Aerospace personnel, support contractors, and prime contractors. The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at the Aerospace facility at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution, or a degree in a related STEM field.
At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience working across government programs.
Demonstrated space systems engineering skills, including the ability to explain to customers how specific issues relate to the broader program.
Experience with satellite communications hardware and/or digital or analog waveform processing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multidisciplinary teams involving colleagues, government personnel, and contractors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop technical materials and present to key stakeholders and senior leaders; a writing sample and presentation are required.
Ability to travel to contractor and vendor facilities as required.
Active Secret clearance, issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mission assurance principles and practices.
Familiarity with IEEE 15288.2, the IEEE Standard for Application of Systems Engineering on Defense Programs.
Understanding of space system acquisition.
MILSATCOM program office experience.
Familiarity with Aerospace culture and prior experience coordinating with the Engineering & Technology Group (ETG).
Advanced technical degree in engineering, science, physics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Advise Aerospace leadership and the customer on prime contractor execution status, risks, issues, and opportunities for the RF payload.
Maintain effective working relationships with customer leadership, contractors, ETG, and other supporting contractors.
Manage allocated resources and prioritize tasking for ETG subject matter experts.
Collaborate with ETG to deliver technical position papers, design assessments, and briefings on technical, cost, and schedule risks related to communications payload design and implementation.
Serve as a technical advisor to the Space Force customer on RF payload architecture and performance.
Lead or coordinate technical teams and act as a spokesperson for working groups to management and customers.
Monitor and assess contractor performance and delivery of products or services under space, ground, and crypto contracts related to ESS payload design and implementation.
Apply systems engineering principles in support of the program execution phase.

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.