Senior Communication Architect and Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Senior Communication Architect and Engineer within its Mission Payloads Division (MPD), specifically in the Communication Architectures Department (CAD). CAD conducts communications trade studies, analyses, and simulations; prototypes RF communications, particularly for commercial LEO and MEO satellite systems; and develops spectrum policy and regulation. The role focuses on designing, developing, modeling, simulating, testing, and analyzing communications systems, subsystems, signals, and network architectures for applications including data links, digital radio, battle management, and command and control. The work spans terrestrial networks and next-generation satellite constellations. The successful candidate will lead technical studies and prototype development for space-based communications, advise customers and leaders, and coordinate major efforts across organizational and program boundaries. The position also includes representing CAD and Aerospace at technical events, mentoring staff, documenting results, and opportunities to lead internal R&D, conduct field work, and publish technical work. The position is full-time and requires working on-site at the El Segundo, California facility, with occasional travel of approximately 5%.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with a strong communications engineering background.
- Ten or more years of related experience in communications systems engineering.
- Experience acting as a senior technical authority, principal investigator, or team lead on complex technical efforts.
- Experience coordinating large-scale technical efforts across program and project lines.
- Track record of mentoring less experienced engineers and serving as a role model.
- Working knowledge of communication systems principles and signal processing techniques.
- High level of innovation, creativity, and initiative.
- Willingness to travel occasionally (approximately 5%) to customer sites or other work locations.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued Top Secret/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
- 12 or more years of increasingly responsible communications systems engineering or scientific experience, including multidisciplinary systems engineering and/or program management.
- Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Responsibilities
- Lead long-range technical studies on space-based communication systems, including commercial pLEO and MEO constellations, next-generation cellular, hybrid military and commercial systems, and secure military networks.
- Proactively identify emerging SATCOM technical problems and deliver novel solutions.
- Lead development and demonstration of working prototypes using novel hardware and emerging commercial systems.
- Advise management, government customers, and contractors on technical direction and emerging risks.
- Represent CAD and Aerospace at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.
- Lead cross-organizational teams and coordinate large-scale technical efforts across program and project lines.
- Mentor less experienced staff and serve as a technical role model.
- Document work in briefings and technical reports.
- Potentially lead internal R&D projects, conduct field work, and publish for conferences and journals.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
