RF Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

401(k) Plan with company contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA is seeking an RF Systems Engineer to develop and integrate innovative communication systems for space applications. This role requires strong engineering experience in RF systems, with responsibilities including systems engineering, analysis, and research in advanced technologies.

The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of professional experience, require a TS/SCI security clearance, and possess excellent communication skills. This position demands 100% onsite presence.

Qualifications

• 6 or more years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities.
• Experience in RF payloads design, development, integration, test, and/or on-orbit operations.
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF systems engineering activities for requirements, design, and evaluation.
• Analyze performance of RF satellite communications systems.
• Research next generation RF systems technologies.

Skills

RF payloads design

Communication systems analysis

Team collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master's degree in STEM

Job description

Job Overview

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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Resiliency Futures Office (RFO), within the Advanced Technology Division (ATD) of NSG, provides programmatic and technical expertise to critical government programs in the areas of technology development and technology maturation spanning both space and ground capabilities. We are looking for an RF Systems Engineer (Project Engineer Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Communication Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering) who will be a key contributor to the development of boundary‑pushing space systems and their integration into the space enterprise. This includes providing technical expertise for the design and operation of resilient or non‑traditional RF systems along with supporting technical studies and performance testing associated with space‑based and ground‑based communication systems.

Location

Full‑time position based in Chantilly, VA requiring 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Government & SETA counterparts to advance and lead RF systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, test, and evaluation across multiple levels of maturity
• Advancing and applying tools and techniques to derive, analyze, and verify the performance of RF satellite communications systems across both space‑based and ground‑based elements
• Researching and guiding the development of next generation RF systems and technologies
• Identifying and pursuing new opportunities for Aerospace prototyping and technology risk reduction activities
• Leveraging the Aerospace Engineering Matrix to build teams of subject matter experts to assess and guide new developments or solve emerging problems in critical technology areas

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering - RF

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics or a related technical discipline from a recognized institution, or equivalent experience
• 6 or more years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities
• Experienced in RF payloads design, development, integration, test, and/or on‑orbit operations
• A background in communication systems and the associated methods for analyzing their performance
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Engineer – Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering - RF

• 10 or more years of professional engineering experience with increasing responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and coordinate the technical activities of multiple contributors

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) related discipline
• Demonstrated experience with resilient or non‑traditional RF communication systems and technologies
• Hands‑on experience developing and delivering RF payloads or subsystems through all stages of a program lifecycle
• Familiarity with US government acquisition policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work asynchronously across multiple fast‑paced teams in multiple locations

Compensation

Grade‑based pay range: $129,000.00 - $249,600.00 (Annual).

Benefits

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.

• 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

Leading Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

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 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.