Microwave Test Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

401(k) matching

Education assistance

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation’s Mission Payloads Division seeks a Microwave Test Engineer to design and implement RF/microwave test benches, analyze data, and collaborate with experts to advance national space systems. On-site work in El Segundo, CA is required.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, 1 year of hands-on microwave instrumentation experience, and proficiency in instrument automation using Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering required; Master preferred for Senior role.
• 1 year of hands-on experience testing microwave instrumentation and systems.
• Proficiency in instrument automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar languages.
• Willing to travel domestically ~10%.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Top-Secret/SSBI).
• Senior role: MS in EE with 3 years or BS with 5 years and all above requirements; track record writing test procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop microwave test benches with instrumentation (network analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes).
• Independently analyze test data and generate test reports.
• Perform engineering design, analysis, and modeling for RF/microwave systems.
• Collaborate onsite with engineers and technicians; mentor staff.

Skills

Test data analysis

Microwave engineering

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

ADS / AWR Microwave Office

Sonnet / HFSS

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!

We are looking for a Microwave Test Engineer who thrives on curiosity, goes beyond following procedures, asks questions, and seeks root causes. In this role, you’ll design and implement innovative and unique RF/microwave test benches using state‑of‑the‑art modeling, prototyping, and measurement capabilities, while collaborating with microwave and millimeter‑wave subject matter experts. You’ll work in a dynamic and challenging academic‑like environment that values intellectual curiosity, a growth mindset, and practical impact, where you can make a tangible difference in the development and operation of our nation’s most critical space systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop test benches with microwave instrumentation such as network analyzers and/or high‑speed oscilloscopes
• Independently analyze test data
• Perform engineering design, analysis, and modeling
• Collaborate onsite with fellow engineers and technicians
• Mentor technical and technician staff

What You Need to be Successful – Member of the Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other related discipline
• Minimum of 1 year of hands‑on experience testing microwave instrumentation such as network and spectrum analyzers, high‑speed oscilloscopes, and signal sources
• Proficiency in instrument automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar languages
• Creativity in problem‑solving, handling ambiguity and imperfectly defined problems, rapid grasp of new concepts, and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance at a Top‑Secret/SSBI level

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of the Technical Staff

• Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other related discipline with 3 years of experience OR Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other related discipline with 5 years of experience and all of the above requirements
• Track record writing test procedures
• Experience generating test reports

How You Can Stand Out

• Experience with high‑power microwave amplifiers or systems
• Ability to perform microwave circuit simulations using ADS or AWR Microwave Office
• Capability to perform EM simulations using Sonnet, AXIEM, or HFSS
• Technical Team Leadership
• Currently hold an active DOD – Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI access

Compensation
Salary range: $95,200.00 – $165,500.00 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
• 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 are 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.