Sr. Communication Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

4d•$176,400 - $264,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking 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 its Defense Systems Group. The role works closely with the government Test Director as a principal technical leader for high-stakes test and evaluation (T&E) initiatives, helping ensure next-generation communication, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber systems are prepared for contested space environments. The position is full-time and 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 Defense Systems Group provides analysis-based decision support and technical expertise across national security space programs. The selected engineer will support rapid fielding of capabilities for Combatant Commands, lead T&E activities for rapidly fielded USSF systems, coordinate test resources and approval documentation, and advise senior leaders and mission partners. The role also includes mentoring other space engineers. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline, at least 10 years of hands-on engineering experience with deep expertise in testing RF systems, signal processing, or satellite communications in defense or government programs, and an active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SAP access. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
At least 10 years of hands-on engineering experience, including deep domain 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 deployed test sites outside the contiguous United States.
Active TS/SCI security clearance and ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Access Programs (SAPs), as issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship, required to obtain a security clearance.
Ability to work full-time on-site at the RRB facility near Aerospace’s campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Nice To Haves

Current or prior access to Special Access Programs (SAPs).
Demonstrated experience applying DoD test and evaluation principles to communication, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber operation systems across USSF architectures.
Experience 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 with Linux, network analysis tools such as Wireshark, and Python for test-event scripting, real-time monitoring, and log analysis.

Responsibilities

Serve as a core member of a mission-focused team fielding high-priority capabilities in response to Urgent Operational Needs (UONs) for Combatant Commands.
Act as the subject matter authority for testing rapidly fielded USSF systems, supervising test planning, execution, and reporting and developing T&E approaches to evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures against emerging threats.
Lead developmental test execution at deployed locations, overseeing data collection, analysis, daily situation reports, and final test reporting while adapting to changing conditions.
Work with RRB development teams to identify test resources and coordinate with the 25th Space Range Squadron and the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure Program Executive Office to secure test and training environments.
Draft sensitive T&E approval documentation, potentially for Secretary of Defense or Secretary of the Air Force approval, coordinating with acquisition, intelligence, legal, and operational stakeholders.
Plan and lead test readiness reviews, including scheduling, board coordination, documentation, presentations, and action closure.
Brief senior leadership and mission partners on significant findings and mentor emerging space engineers.

Benefits

Competitive compensation based on performance and individual factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.
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.