Senior Communications and Signal Processing

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) with company-paid benefit

Flexible work schedules including telework options

Professional growth and development programs

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA, is seeking an Engineering Specialist to work on advanced communications and signal processing systems. Candidates should have at least eight years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

The role involves supporting research and development, performing simulations, and working closely with both government and civil clients. A competitive salary range of $129,000 - $249,600 annually is offered, alongside industry-leading benefits.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in communications and signal processing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Demonstrated team leadership and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support research and development of advanced communication systems.
• Perform analysis and simulation of signal processing systems.
• Support Civil, DoD, and intelligence community customers.

Skills

Communications and signal processing

Modeling and simulation

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Technical representation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline

Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

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!

The Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) within MPD performs analysis, modeling and simulation of end‑to‑end communications and signal collection/processing systems. The work we do supports advanced concept development/prototyping and system acquisition, performance analysis and anomaly resolution for specialized satellite and ground processing applications.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the research, development and acquisition of advanced communications and signal collection / processing systems
• Performing analysis, modeling and simulation of advanced communications and signal collection / processing systems
• Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
• Initiating studies, coordinating tasking, forming and leading teams; interfacing with multiple stakeholders
• Acting as the organizations designated representative at technical meetings, presentations and symposia

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Eight (8) years of experience in communications and signal processing, such as modeling and simulation; some knowledge of hardware, hardware imperfections and modeling required
• Willing to travel domestically up to approximately 10% of the time
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist:

• In addition to the requirements above, a total of 12 years of experience in communications and signal processing
• Demonstrated strong analytical and team leadership skills

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience with our customers and knowledge of National Technical Means
• Experience in Satellite Communications and SIGINT
• Demonstrated strong analytical and team leadership skills
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, C++ or additional tools, for modeling and simulation
• Active TS/SCI

(Min - Max) $129,000.00 - $249,600.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

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

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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.