Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 95,200 - 165,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Professional growth and development programs

401(k) Plan with company match

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Member of Technical Staff to perform technical analyses of communication systems in El Segundo, CA. The role involves developing prototypes and assessing performance of satellite and ground systems as part of a collaborative and innovative team.

Ideal candidates will hold a relevant Bachelor's degree, possess strong programming skills in Python and C++, and be able to obtain a security clearance. The compensation ranges from $95,200.00 to $165,500.00 annually, coupled with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in a relevant STEM field, including graduate studies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required.
• Hands-on experience in programming and development processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical analyses of communication systems.
• Develop working prototypes to demonstrate capability improvements.
• Assess performance of satellite and ground systems.

Skills

Programming in Python

Programming in C++

Version control systems

Wireless communications principles

Signal processing techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s or PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Git

Docker

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.

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, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Communication Architectures Department (CAD) has three main lines of work: the department performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources. Finally, we are actively engaged in the development of RF communications prototypes, especially those involving commercial LEO satellite systems.

Location: El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Performing technical analyses of terrestrial and space-based communication systems, including latest-generation cellular and commercial pLEO.
• Developing working prototypes leveraging these systems and novel hardware to demonstrate capability improvements.
• Assessing the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols.
• Documenting work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues.
• Opportunities to propose and carry out internal R&D projects, engage in field work, and publish in conferences and journals.

What You Need to be Successful

Member of Technical Staff – Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in a relevant STEM field, including graduate studies.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++ (or similar).
• Hands‑on experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Bitbucket).
• An understanding of wireless communications principles and signal processing techniques.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Senior Member of Technical Staff additional requirements:

• A minimum of 3 years’ practical experience working in a relevant STEM field.
• Documented experience leading engineering teams or projects in a professional setting, with a track record of driving cross‑functional initiatives, managing project timelines, and delivering effective technical solutions.

How You Can Stand Out

• Experience with network traffic modeling and analysis.
• Demonstrated track record in tested AI/ML applications, particularly as applied to RF and network data.
• Proven ability to develop deployable systems on Linux using Docker, with hands‑on experience in CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins or similar), build automation tools, and managing Python projects with automated testing frameworks and modern tooling.
• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
• Graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field.

Compensation: $95,200.00 - $165,500.00 per year (Pay Basis: Annual).

Leadership Competencies

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

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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 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, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or 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.”