Sr. Communication Systems Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Sr. Communication Systems Engineer to work with the United States Space Force (USSF) Rapid Reaction Branch (RRB) team in the Special Programs Division of the Defense Systems Group. The role works closely with the government Test Director as a principal technical leader for test and evaluation initiatives, helping ensure next-generation communication, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber systems are prepared for contested space environments. The position supports the fielding and evaluation of high-priority capabilities for Combatant Commands and translates warfighter requirements into mission-ready systems. The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at the RRB facility near Aerospace’s campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Travel of up to 15% is required, including to deployed test sites outside the contiguous United States. The position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program accesses; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance. The role includes leading test planning and execution, overseeing test operations at deployed locations, securing test and training resources, preparing high-level approval packages, and leading test readiness reviews. The engineer also briefs senior leaders and mission partners on findings and mentors other space engineers.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
- 10 or more years of hands-on engineering experience, including deep expertise in testing RF systems, signal processing, or satellite communications within defense or government programs.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including to locations outside the contiguous United States.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance and ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Access Programs.
- U.S. citizenship, required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Current or prior access to Special Access Programs.
- Proven experience applying Department of Defense test and evaluation principles to communications, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber operation systems across USSF architectures.
- Skill authoring test plans and procedures, leading data collection and analysis, documenting discrepancies and corrective actions, and delivering decision-ready test reports.
- Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting satellite communications systems, including VSAT equipment, in deployed environments.
- Proficiency in Linux, network analysis tools such as Wireshark, and Python for scripting test events, real-time monitoring, and log analysis.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a core member of a mission-focused team fielding high-priority capabilities against Urgent Operational Needs for Combatant Commands.
- Act as the subject matter authority for testing rapidly fielded USSF systems; supervise test planning, execution, and reporting, and develop approaches to evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures against emerging threats.
- Lead developmental test execution at deployed locations, adapting to changing conditions and overseeing data collection, analysis, daily situation reports, and final test reporting.
- Partner with RRB development teams to identify needed resources and engage the 25th Space Range Squadron and the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure Program Executive Office to secure test and training environments.
- Draft sensitive test and evaluation approval documentation, potentially up to Secretary of Defense or Secretary of the Air Force levels, and coordinate with acquisition, intelligence, legal, and operational stakeholders.
- Lead test readiness review planning and execution, including scheduling, board coordination, documentation, presentations, and action closure.
- Brief senior leadership and mission partners on high-impact findings.
- Mentor the next generation of space engineers.
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 based on years of service and 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
