Advanced RF Electronics 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.

About the role

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The Electronic Programs Division’s Directorate E is looking for an Advanced RF Electronics Engineer (Senior Project Leader – Payload Systems Engineer – RF) to help shape customer investments in cutting-edge radio frequency collection technologies.

As a member of the Aerospace team, you will investigate new technologies, participate in prototyping, forge maturation strategies, and recommend investments to the customer. You’ll communicate new developments to your Aerospace counterparts across the Electronic Programs Division and help identify transition opportunities for new technologies to their customers. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at the customer facility in Chantilly, Virginia.

This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work as a member of the Radio-Frequency Technology Office (RFTO) to investigate cutting-edge technologies and mature them for implementation across a variety of National Security Systems.
• Integrate Aerospace expertise in prototyping, testing, and modeling to speed technology maturation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the National Security Space Technology enterprise to identify promising capabilities and collaborate on implementation paths.
• Communicate with senior government officials to report findings, recommend future activities, and support technology transition.
• Lead engineering studies to analyze new and proposed RF collection system designs, evaluating technical approaches and performance trade-offs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or another technical discipline.
• 12 years of experience in increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific roles, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments.
• Experience with signal processing, radio frequency technologies, or signals intelligence systems.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and peers.
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 5-10% if required.

Qualifications

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

• Familiarity with government acquisition lifecycle and systems engineering activities.
• Familiarity working on technology maturation activities in support of a government program office.
• Familiarity with Overhead SIGINT systems and operations.
• Working knowledge of National Security Space, needs, funding, technology investment methods, and industrial base capabilities.
• Direct experience working in a government program office as a member of a combined government, SETA, and Aerospace team.

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $171,400.00 - $257,100.00 annually. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Benefits

• 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.

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.