Communication Payload Engineer

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.
Next Gen Polar (NGP) Program Office is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Communications Payload Engineer to join our growing team in delivering critical functionalities for Missile Warning and Missile Tracking mission area. The successful candidate will partner with the Government to ensure mission success of the Space Force to develop, acquire and deploy Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) space assets that defend against, defeat, and deter adversary behavior in space.
Work Model
This position is 100 onsite in El Segundo, California.
What You'll Be Doing

• As the Communications Payload Engineer, your primary responsibilities will be to work with the OPIR program office and technical experts to provide direction and oversight of the development, integration, and testing of the NG OPIR Communications Payload portfolio. You will be a critical resource in the discovery, implementation, and acceleration of assets to orbit.
• Monitor and assist contractor in integration and testing of Engineering Model units in Single String Comm Payload Test Bed
• Monitor test and delivery of qualification units and flight units
• Assist in delivery and successful integration of Government Furnished Crypto units onto the Space Vehicle by working with multiple government agencies, SETAs, and contractors
• Monitor and assist contractor in integration and testing of flight hardware into the Comm Payload
• Support and assist contractor in resolving issues and failures at unit and integrated Comm Payload level
• Deliver concise technical information and recommendations to aid government decisions
• Support cost, schedule, and technical risk assessments
• Work shoulder-to-shoulder with government military, civil personnel, SETAs, and contractors
• Aid risk reduction by proposing and executing analyses, tests, and other activities that augment the contractor's work
• Oversee and coordinate a team of technical experts to support activities above

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer, Communications Systems Engineering
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in an applicable field
• 10 or more years of applicable experience
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with customers, contractors, other FFRDC and SETA personnel
• Ability to effectively present technical material to senior DoD and other US government officials
• Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Some travel is required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have on or more of the following:

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering
• Experience with communication systems including antennas, amplifiers, receivers, modulators, encryption units, and switches/routers
• Experience with commercial or military analog and digital space electronics design processes
• Familiarity with major space system development
• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance preferred

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)
$166,400 - $249,600
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.