2026 Communications and Signal Processing Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health care

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

401(k) plan with company match

Professional growth and development programs

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to join the Mission Payloads Division in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on analyzing and modeling radio and optical systems, supporting advanced concept development and systems acquisition. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree and possess a foundational understanding of signal processing and communications modeling.

This position offers benefits including competitive compensation, comprehensive healthcare plans, and opportunities for professional growth. Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and excellence in aerospace technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related STEM discipline from an accredited university.
• 0–1 year of industry experience is desired.
• Coursework in digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio systems.
• Conduct studies and analytical trades for communications applications.
• Support civil and military customers, primarily the National Reconnaissance Office.

Skills

Digital communications using MATLAB/Python

Radio satellite systems modeling

Signal processing knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related STEM discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Summary

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communications and Signal Processing Engineer for the Mission Payloads Division (MPD) in Chantilly, VA. The selected candidate will join the Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) and be responsible for performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of end‑to‑end radio and optical communication systems, as well as signal collection/processing techniques and solutions. The role supports advanced concept development, system acquisition, and anomaly resolution for specialized satellite and associated ground processing applications.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio systems and related signal processing, including channel effects and hardware distortion that affect wideband communications and receiver performance.
• Scope work may include transmitter distortions, channel effects, receiver RF chain (antenna through analog‐to‐digital conversion), and application‑specific DSP backend processing.
• Conduct studies and analytical trades across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications.
• Support civil, DoD, and intelligence community customers, providing primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office.
• Develop skills through independent technical assignments and collaborative team‑based projects.
• Demonstrate leadership and initiative, informing stakeholders of technical issues and recommending courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk reduction efforts, and on‑orbit testing.
• Act as the organization’s designated representative at customer program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related STEM discipline from an accredited university, to be completed or conferred within 12 months.
• 0–1 year of industry experience.
• Coursework in digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python.
• Solid understanding of radio satellite systems communications modeling and simulation.
• Working knowledge of digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, and related topics.
• Ability to support advanced development, integration, and testing of radio communications and/or collection systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally infrequently, as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of RF systems design and analysis.
• Experience with software‑defined radio (SDR) platforms and implementations.
• Understanding of hardware imperfections and distortion effects.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with pay range $90,000 to $130,000 annually.
• 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 match.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who requires assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by e‑mail at peoplemangmnt@[e-mail].

Security Clearance

Employees in technical roles are required to obtain a security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.