2026 Communications Architecture Analyst - Communications Systems Engineer

About the role

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.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) consists of a team dedicated to delivering modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions to answer new and emerging government and commercial customer needs.

Responsibilities

Gaining knowledge and experience in one or more of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems and/or space protection

Produce analysis driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and emerging customer communication and ground architectures

Perform end-to-end (E2E) performance evaluations and analysis-of-alternatives (AoA) using in-house or internally developed analysis tools

Work closely with senior staff, management, and a team to translate customer needs into project objectives and provide technical evaluations

Support development and sustainment of the organization’s analysis and simulation tools and capabilities

Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Academic or internship experience with space-related modeling, communication/ground architectures, data network modeling, scheduling algorithms and logistics, or mission management
• Experience with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB
• The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (US Citizenship required)
• Transcripts required for this position

Qualifications

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

• Significant experience in one or more of the functional areas listed above
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios
• Experience developing and presenting analysis results to government customers
• Current TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year.

Benefits

Our industry-leading benefits 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
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs