Electromagnetic Simulation Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 249,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

401(k) Plan

Education assistance programs

Professional growth and development programs

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks an Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Engineer in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will provide expert support for critical programs vital to space architectures. You'll apply knowledge in RF design and computational modeling while collaborating with the Department of Defense.

Looking for candidates with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and a minimum of eight years of experience. This position includes unique opportunities for innovative contributions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, computational electromagnetic modeling.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in electromagnetics, computational electromagnetic modeling.
• Solve technically challenging problems using modeling, simulation, and experimental measurements.
• Lead cross-organizational teams and organize interfaces with customers and program offices.

Skills

Electromagnetics

Computational electromagnetic modeling

RF design principles

Technical writing skills

Signal propagation

Antenna systems

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Spectrum analyzers

Power meters

Ansys HFSS

CST Microwave Studio

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 Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division, excels in managing the full communications chain—from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. We leverage this deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

We are looking for an Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success of today’s and tomorrow’s space architectures. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts while providing strategic guidance to both the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide subject matter expertise in electromagnetics, computational electromagnetic modeling, radiation and scattering, antennas, and antenna systems.
• Solve technically challenging problems using a mix of modeling, simulation, and experimental measurements in the areas of communications, signals collection and remote sensing.
• Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and author report findings.
• Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and/or opportunities and provide recommended courses of action.
• Lead cross-organizational teams, organize interfaces with customers and/or Aerospace program offices. May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources.
• Acts as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of time.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

• Master’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, computational electromagnetic modeling, radiation and scattering, diffraction theory, and electromagnetic properties of materials.
• Familiarity with wireless communication links, including link budget analysis, modulation techniques, and frequency allocations.
• Practical skills in the use of standard measurement equipment such as Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation, design reports, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Additional Requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist

• Minimum of twelve years of experience with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Experience architecting, planning, and leading complex RF and antenna projects, including mentoring of junior staff.
• Able to translate, tailor, and present complex technical concepts to stakeholders of varying knowledge levels, including non-specialists.

How You Can Stand Out

• PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline focusing on Electromagnetics and RF.
• Proficiency in CAD workflows for electromagnetic analysis, including advanced model construction, geometry repair, and mesh generation for tools such as HFSS, CST, and FEKO.
• Ability to architect and deploy custom computational tools for automated parametric simulation generation, sophisticated post-processing of EM simulation and measurement data, and maintainable, extensible toolchains.
• Experience with modeling, design, fabrication, and testing of various antenna types (horn, patch, phased array).
• Experience in modeling and analysis of radar systems and technology.
• Track record in writing custom software for computational EM.
• Experience using high-performance computing systems.
• Proven ability with electromagnetic and RF simulation software such as Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, GRASP, Keysight ADS, and Microwave Office.
• Comfortable with common programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for data analysis, scripting, or building custom analysis tools.
• Prior experience in using anechoic chambers for RF and antenna measurements.
• Current Top Secret clearance with SCI access.

We offer a competitive compensation package. The grade-based pay range for this job is $129,000.00 – $249,600.00 per year.

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, 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 are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or needs 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.