RF Payload Analyst - Engineering Specialist

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 193,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

401(k) Plan with company-paid benefit

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks an RF Payload Engineer to join its elite team in Chantilly, VA. This role involves applying expertise in RF payload design, mission analysis, and solving complex challenges for national security programs. Candidates should have significant hands-on experience in RF engineering and a strong educational background, holding a Master's or Ph.D. in a related field. The position requires an active Top Secret clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes comprehensive health care, professional growth programs, and a 401(k) Plan. Join us to contribute to critical missions!

Qualifications

• Six or more years of hands-on experience in RF engineering and mission analysis.
• Proficiency in two or more essential coding tools: MATLAB, C/C++, and Python.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in RF payload design and performance analysis.
• Lead cross-functional analysis efforts and transform customer needs into actionable plans.
• Drive critical mission success for high-stakes national security programs.

Skills

RF engineering

mission analysis

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

SIGINT systems

signal processing

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, or electrical engineering

Tools

advanced parallel programming frameworks (Spark, CUDA, MPI)

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!

Join an Elite Team Shaping the Future of National Security from Space

Are you ready to work on some of the most critical and technically challenging space missions in the nation? We're seeking an exceptional RF Payload Engineer with mission analysis expertise to join the Electronic Intercepts and Measurements Department in our Sensing and Processing Subdivision within MPD.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

You’ll be part of a powerhouse team of highly respected engineers and scientists who serve as trusted advisors to our nation's most vital space programs. This isn't just another engineering role—you'll provide strategic matrix support directly to marquee customers including the United States Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and leading Civil and Commercial space organizations.

The Technical Playground

Tackle intellectually stimulating problems that span the full spectrum of RF payload engineering:

• Advanced antenna systems design
• End-to-end transmit and receive chain optimization
• Sophisticated mission modeling and analysis
• Cutting-edge electronic warfare applications
• Maritime surveillance systems
• Signal processing innovation
• Algorithm development for signal products and exploitation

Your Impact

Leverage your engineering judgment, knowledge of current technology, and understanding of national systems to influence critical decisions on RF payload design and performance for programs of national importance. You'll work at the intersection of theory and real-world application, where your expertise directly contributes to national security and space superiority.

The Environment

Collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team where innovation thrives and technical excellence is the standard. This is your chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field on challenges that truly matter.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drive Critical Mission Success – Apply your expertise in RF payload design, performance analysis, and mission modeling to solve complex challenges in signal propagation, SIGINT system performance, and requirements development for high-stakes national security programs.
• Innovate at the Hardware-Software Interface – Design breakthrough solutions by developing efficient hardware implementations through advanced digital modeling and creating sophisticated signal processing algorithms that push the boundaries of what's possible.
• Lead from Discovery to Delivery – Transform customer needs into actionable analysis plans, lead cross-functional analysis efforts, and guide stakeholders from concept through execution with confidence and technical authority.
• Shape the Future of Space Systems – Serve as a trusted technical advisor during requirements development, leveraging your expertise to influence program direction and ensure mission success from day one.
• Own the Full Lifecycle – Shepherd payload designs from initial program requirements through operational deployment and end-of-life, ensuring technical excellence at every phase.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements

• Seasoned Expertise – Six or more years of hands‑on experience in RF engineering and mission analysis, including relevant postgraduate research and development work
• Advanced Technical Foundation – Master's or Ph.D. from an accredited institution in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline that fuels innovation
• Coding Versatility – Proficiency in two or more of the essential tools of the trade: MATLAB, C/C++, and Python—with the ability to choose the right tool for each challenge
• Real-World SIGINT Experience – Proven track record in RF payload design for SIGINT systems, conducting sophisticated trade studies, and performing mission analysis including geolocation techniques
• Agility in Action – Demonstrated ability to pivot and adapt as mission priorities evolve, thriving in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment where flexibility is key
• Collaborative Leadership – Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate across diverse teams, build consensus, and partner effectively with internal groups and external stakeholders
• Mission-Ready Access – Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access, enabling you to engage with the nation's most sensitive programs from day one
• Willingness to Engage – Availability for occasional domestic travel to support customer engagements and program activities

How You Can Stand Out

• Deep SIGINT Domain Mastery – Specialized technical knowledge of satellite-based SIGINT systems, architectures, and operational concepts that sets you apart as a subject matter expert
• High-Performance Computing Prowess – Experience with advanced parallel programming frameworks (Spark, CUDA, MPI, or similar) that enable breakthrough performance in large-scale signal processing and analysis
• Vision for Tomorrow's Missions – Familiarity with emerging SIGINT architectures and next‑generation space vehicles, bringing forward‑looking insights that help shape the future of national intelligence capabilities

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)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00 Pay Basis: Annual

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.