Electromagnetic Simulation Engineer

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

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Engineer in Chantilly, VA. You will focus on advanced electromagnetic modeling for defense and intelligence. A Master’s degree and at least 8 years of experience in RF design and computational electromagnetics are required.

Responsibilities include solving complex technical problems and leading cross-organizational teams. Compensation ranges from $129,000 to $249,600, based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of relevant experience in electromagnetics and RF.
• Strong understanding of RF design principles and computational electromagnetics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject-matter expertise in electromagnetics and simulation.
• Solve complex technical problems using modeling and experimental measurements.
• Lead cross-organizational teams and represent the organization at meetings.

Skills

RF design principles

Electromagnetics

Technical writing

Signal propagation

Measurement equipment

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Ansys HFSS

CST Microwave Studio

MATLAB

Python

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center that supports the nation’s space programs. In the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we develop remote sensing systems and advanced sensor technologies for defense, intelligence, and commercial customers.

Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Engineer – 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 modeling, simulation, and experimental measurements in communications, signal collection, and remote sensing.
• Independently conduct technical studies, analysis, experiments, and simulations and author report findings.
• Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors; identify technical problems or opportunities and recommend courses of action.
• Lead cross‑organizational teams, organize interfaces with customers and program offices.
• Represent the organization at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.
• Travel up to 10% of the time.

What You Need to Be Successful – Engineering Specialist

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum eight years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, computational electromagnetics, radiation, scattering, diffraction theory, and electromagnetic material properties.
• Familiarity with wireless communication links, link‑budget analysis, modulation techniques, and frequency allocations.
• Hands‑on experience with measurement equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Strong technical writing skills for documentation, design reports, and cross‑functional presentations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Additional Senior Engineering Specialist Requirements (Optional)

• Minimum twelve years of experience with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Experience architecting, planning, and leading complex RF and antenna projects and mentoring junior staff.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts to stakeholders at various knowledge levels.

How You Can Stand Out

• PhD in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with a focus on electromagnetics and RF.
• Proficiency in CAD workflows for electromagnetic analysis (HFSS, CST, FEKO, etc.) and advanced model construction.
• Experience architecting and deploying custom computational tools for parametric simulation, data post‑processing, and toolchain maintenance.
• Hands‑on work with modeling, design, fabrication, and testing of horn, patch, phased‑array, and other antenna types.
• Experience in radar system modeling and analysis.
• Track record writing custom software for computational EM.
• Experience with high‑performance computing systems.
• Proven ability with EM simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, GRASP, Keysight ADS, or equivalent.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or related languages.
• Experience using anechoic chambers for RF and antenna measurements.
• Current Top Secret clearance with SCI access.

Compensation

Annual salary: $129,000.00 – $249,600.00.

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, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.