​​RF Comms and Navigation 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.
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 Aerospace Corporation's Digital Communications Implementation Department (DCID) uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes that solve our customer's most challenging problems across the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite communication signals. DCID's support includes guiding the acquisition of next generation communication and navigation systems needed by our customer, helping industry implement cutting edge technology and creating innovative solutions to our customers' most challenging problems. Please join us on the leading edge of digital communications.
Work Model: Due to nature of the work this position is 100% onsite at the El Segundo campus
What You'll Be Doing

• Develop, implement/prototype, test and evaluate cutting-edge satellite communication/navigation concepts

• Demonstrate prototype systems in both state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and field tests

• Design, build and integrate satcom payloads demonstrating innovative technologies for Aerospace's AeroCube Program

• Create novel navigation systems using alternative navigation signals/techniques

• Work as an individual or in a small team on analytical and experimental studies in collaboration with customer, industry and academic partners to solve to hardest problems across the satcom enterprise

• Engage with customers to guide future strategic technology investment in next generation comms and navigation efforts

• Work on a various set of projects across multiple programs and manage workload to handle several agile projects simultaneously

What You Need to be Successful - Member of Technical Staff (MTS)
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or completing a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field and within 12 months of degree conferred

• 2-3 year of industry related experience

• Strong foundations in digital signal processing & digital communications

• Familiarity with GNU Radio

• FPGA development and HDL (Verilog or VHDL) experience

• Proficiency with one or more of the following: MATLAB, C/C++, Python

• High motivation with proficiency to learn and carry out tasks with guidance/leadership of experienced staff

• Willing to learn, hands-on, and comfortable working in an environment with engineers of various perspectives.

• This position requires the eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff:

• Masters or PhD degree from an accredited program in Communication Theory and Digital Signal Processing or another related field.

• 4 or more years of industry related experience implementing digital signal processing and/or developing digital communication systems

• Experience implementing signal processing approaches in GNU Radio and/or GNSS SDR

• Proficiency with two or more of the following: MATLAB, C/C++, Python

• Development experience in a Unix/Linux Environment

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters or PhD Degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field and within 12 months of degree conferred

• Direct work experience with GNSS/GPS positioning and navigation, or alternative navigation techniques

• Experience with satellite systems (flight computers, components, communications systems, etc.)

• Familiarity with AI/ML use for navigation

• Ability to design & analyze digital and/or analog circuits

• Prototyping skills

• CAD (AutoCAD, Solidworks, etc) experience

• Additive Manufacturing experience

• Detailed knowledge of GNU Radio and/or GNSS SDR

• Work experience with prototyping digital and/or analog circuits

• GNSS/GPS Reciever Prototyping experience

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)
$95,200 - $165,500
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.