Senior Communication Architect and Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Mission Payloads Division (MPD) works on remote sensing systems and technologies including electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence, and advanced data networks. Within MPD, the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) performs communications trade studies, analyses, and simulations; develops RF communications prototypes, particularly for commercial LEO and MEO satellite systems; and supports spectrum policy and regulation.

The Senior Communication Architect and Engineer designs, develops, models, simulates, tests, and analyzes communications systems, subsystems, and electronic signals for communication networks, data links, digital radio, battle management, and command and control systems. The work applies communications systems expertise—including modulation, signal coding, digital and wireless communications, and network architecture—to terrestrial networks and next-generation satellite constellations. The role provides technical leadership on critical space and communications missions, advising government customers, management, and contractors on technical direction and emerging risks.

This position is full-time and requires work on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California. Occasional travel, approximately 5%, to customer sites or other work locations is expected. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Top Secret/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain the clearance.

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 communications 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 Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. 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 to showcase capability improvements.
• Advise management, government customers, and contractors on technical direction and emerging risks.
• Represent CAD and The Aerospace Corporation 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.
• Have opportunities to 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 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior