2026 Space Systems Modeling & Simulation Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

401(k) Plan with company contributions

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California, seeks Space Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineers to support military and commercial space missions. You will engage in modeling, analysis, and technical studies while collaborating closely with teams dedicated to solving complex communication system challenges.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and proficiency in MATLAB or Python. We offer a competitive salary package along with robust benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or related discipline.
• 0-1 year of industry work experience.
• General knowledge of communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Support space missions spanning DoD, IC, and commercial customers.
• Participate in technical studies to develop solutions.
• Communicate technical results and their impact.

Skills

Proficiency in MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring Space Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineers for the Communication and Network Architectures Subdivision (CNAS) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense (DoD), intelligence community (IC), and commercial clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Job Summary

CNAS performs analysis, modeling and simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, digital signal processing algorithms and space and ground networks to transport those signals to meet the needs of our customers. As an engineer within CNAS, you will join an amazing team in solving challenging technical problems to ensure the success of our US Government military and national program customer needs and shape the future of space!

We are seeking engineers with strong motivation to embrace continuous learning regarding our satellite systems, technical solutions, and customer needs, while leveraging your existing technical strengths and interests. We want you to learn from your fellow engineers while also sharing your growing knowledge and expertise with others over time.

Selected candidates will work onsite at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support space missions spanning DoD, IC, and commercial customers. You will often be working closely with military officers and government civilians, prime contractors, and Aerospace engineers from other technical disciplines.
• Participate in technical studies and analysis to develop implementable technical solutions to the Nation’s hardest space communications problems.
• Participate in research projects to develop the next generation of concepts, signals, architectures, and technologies related to space communications.
• Communicatetechnical results and their customer impact, clearly in presentations and in written reports.
• Continually learn about our space systems and help push technological boundaries with your innovative ideas.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing customer needs
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or STEM related discipline from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months.
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++.
• General knowledge, coursework and/or prior internship or project experience related to communication systems and/or systems modeling and simulation (hardware, software)
• Ability to provide technical solutions in response to customer needs.
• Willing to travel occasionally to a customer site approximately 0-10%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters, and/or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or related discipline.
• Understanding of satellite systems, satellite communications or space networks.
• Familiarity with network testbed development and/or experience with network emulation/simulation
• Understanding of any of these communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, waveform design, channel effects, spectrum, and link performance).
• Active U.S. Government issued DOD Secret Clearance or higher.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$90,000.00 - $140,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity 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, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail] .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.