Senior RF Analyst

3M HEALTHCARE; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness

401(k) Plan with up to 12% match

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

Flexible spending accounts

Professional growth programs

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an experienced RF Payload Engineer for the Electronic Intercepts and Measurements Department in the Sensing and Processing Subdivision, MPD. This full-time, on-site role is based in Chantilly, VA and demands strong mission analysis skills.

You will work across hardware and software interfaces, designing high‑assurance payloads, performing mission modeling, and guiding requirements from concept to deployment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of hands-on RF engineering and mission analysis.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access.
• Ability to travel domestically on occasion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply deep expertise in RF payload design, performance analysis, and mission modeling for national security programs.
• Develop hardware implementations and signal processing algorithms at the hardware-software interface.
• Lead cross-functional analysis efforts from concept to execution with technical authority.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor during requirements development and program direction.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence within the team.

Skills

RF engineering

Mission analysis

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Geolocation techniques

Clearance

Education

Master’s degree

Ph.D.

Tools

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Job description

Job Title

RF Payload Engineer – Electronic Intercepts and Measurements Department, Sensing and Processing Subdivision, Mission Payloads Division (MPD)

About the Role

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. The role is full‑time and required on‑site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Critical Mission Success – Apply deep 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 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.
• Elevate the Next Generation – Mentor junior engineers and scientists, sharing knowledge to build the department’s collective capabilities and foster a culture of technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ 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.
• Proficiency in two or more of the essential tools of the trade: MATLAB, C/C++, and Python.
• Proven track record in RF payload design for SIGINT systems, conducting sophisticated trade studies, and performing mission analysis including geolocation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to pivot and adapt as mission priorities evolve in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate across diverse teams, build consensus, and partner effectively.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access.
• Availability for occasional domestic travel to support customer engagements and program activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized technical knowledge of satellite‑based SIGINT systems, architectures, and operational concepts.
• Experience with advanced parallel programming frameworks (Spark, CUDA, MPI, or similar).
• Familiarity with emerging SIGINT architectures and next‑generation space vehicles.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) Plan with company‑paid benefit of up to 12% of eligible compensation and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

EEO Statement

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].