Senior RF Systems Engineer

The Aerospace • Chantilly, VA

346d • Remote

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on. Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications. We are looking for a Senior RF Engineer (Aerospace Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist) to help lead our modeling and simulation, prototyping and testbed development work. The range of work includes cubesat payload development, signal collection, prototypes, antenna modeling and measurements in our anechoic chamber, software defined radio communications and signal collections systems, and RF system in support of prototyping and customer developments. Our group supports exciting programs such as the Aerospace CubeSat SlingShot Platform, and development of advanced labs such as Payload Characterization and Environments (PACE) Lab, Join us on the leading edge of advanced electronics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Six or more years of relevant experience
• RF system design and analysis to include antenna and/or RF components
• Experience using commercial and/or custom modeling and simulation tools for RF analysis
• Laboratory environment work with RF hardware and test equipment
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of time
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required

Nice To Haves

• Advanced technical degree, MS or PhD, in Electrical Engineering or another related discipline with a focus on Electromagnetics, Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, or another related field
• Experience with phased arrays, metamaterials, and/or patch antenna modelling, design, fab, and test in a research and development setting
• Proficiency with a variety of popular analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and/or GRASP
• A background in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Python, Rust, or Julia
• Current U.S. Government security clearance - Secret Level or higher

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in RF components and systems and/or antennas and antenna systems by analyzing RF systems and components using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements
• Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and reports findings. Initiates studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions within area of expertise of advanced RF systems. Provides ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action
• Lead cross-organizational teams and organizes interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices. May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources. Acts as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
• Utilize laboratory facilities including our PACE anechoic chamber, RF signals lab, and remote testing vehicle for performance testing, prototype development, and contractor oversight
• Support our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
• Adapt to changing industry trends and explore new concepts outside your comfort zone

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees