Section Manager - Antenna Prototyping & Measurement

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 Antenna Systems Department (ASD) is engaged in modeling and simulation, as well as prototyping and testbed development. Our work spans CubeSat antenna systems, ground station support, spacecraft antenna design and modeling, prototype construction, and pattern measurements in our anechoic chambers. We help our government customers execute missions of national interest and define future missions.
As the Section Manager of the Antenna Measurement & Prototyping section within ASD, you will lead technical leadership, mentorship, and career growth for our team members. You will foster their professional development through targeted assignments, mentoring relationships, specialized training, and consistent feedback. Collaborating with the department director and section managers, you will contribute to staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and other supervisory responsibilities. Your role will also encompass guiding technical studies, simulations, analyses, and measurements. Specifically, you will be responsible for maintaining ASD's antenna measurement facilities and systems. By applying engineering principles, you will tackle multifaceted challenges, participate in strategic planning, and provide expert insights on customer projects.
What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and mentor the Antenna Measurement & Prototyping Section of the department, offering technical guidance and career development support for 5-7 early to mid-career engineering professionals
• Collaborate with department leadership to address staffing needs, conduct performance reviews, and manage supervisory tasks
• Provide oversight, counsel, and specialized expertise to customer projects, encompassing analytical studies and experimental assessments of antenna systems
• Act as a subject matter expert in RF systems, antennas, and receive and transmit systems
• Solve technical problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing
• Engage our customers to solve our hardest problems with impact
• Use your technical abilities and insights to foster innovation, ensure the success of current programs, and influence future missions
• Support our DoD and Intelligence Community customers strategically

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in a relevant technical discipline
• 5 or more years of related experience in Antenna/RF System design, analysis and testing
• Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentorship of junior staff
• This position requires an active security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Proficiency with analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and/or GRASP
• Experience in measuring antennas within an anechoic chamber
• Background in supporting DoD/IC programs and payloads
• Proven experience in leading development projects and mentoring junior staff
• Competence in architecting and implementing antenna and RF system solutions with real-world performance requirements
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%

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

• An advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant technical discipline
• Over 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience
• An active TS/SCI security clearance
• Experience with ground stations
• Proficiency in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, MATLAB, and/or Python
• Expertise in multipactor effects and measurements
• Knowledge of RCS measurements
• Familiarity with material measurements (FSS, etc.)

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)
$134,200 - $201,300
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.