RF Payload Analyst - Engineering Specialist

aero; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks an exceptional RF Payload Engineer with mission analysis expertise to join the Electronic Intercepts and Measurements Department in MPD. This on-site role supports critical space missions for national security and civil clients at Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA, delivering advanced RF payload design and analysis.

You will tackle complex problems, lead from discovery to delivery, and influence program direction through rigorous modeling, algorithm development, and

Qualifications

• Six or more years of hands-on experience in RF engineering and mission analysis, including relevant postgraduate research and development work.
• Master’s or Ph.D. from an accredited institution in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline that fuels innovation.
• Proficiency in two or more of MATLAB, C/C++, and Python.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in RF payload design, performance analysis, and mission modeling to solve complex challenges for national security programs.
• Develop hardware-software interface solutions with advanced digital modeling and signal processing algorithms.
• Transform customer needs into actionable analysis plans and lead cross-functional analyses from concept to execution.
• Advise during requirements development and influence program direction for mission success.
• Oversee payload design lifecycle from initial requirements to deployment and end-of-life.

Skills

RF engineering

Mission analysis

Antenna systems design

Signal processing

Algorithm development

Mathematical modeling

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

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 or El Segundo, CA

What You Will 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 e