Senior RF Spectrum 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 deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Mission Payloads Division (MPD) pioneers remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise, advancing technology through research, development, demonstration, and integration in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data networks.
About the role
The Communication Architectures Department (CAD) performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also provides radio frequency (RF) spectrum engineering to future military, civil, and commercial systems and guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies. This role supports multiple facets of spectrum management and engineering, including interference analysis to meet spectrum certification requirements and facilitating coordination among stakeholders. Work locations include El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, CO.
Responsibilities
- Perform radio frequency interference analysis and modeling of communications systems to evaluate spectrum sharing strategies and avoid harmful interference
- Use knowledge of RF communications and spectrum regulations to guide program design decisions and ensure regulatory compliance
- Support programs through spectrum registration and coordination processes
- Coordinate with program offices, federal spectrum agencies, and other stakeholders
- Mentor junior employees in spectrum management and engineering
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant technical experience (12 years for Senior Engineering Specialist)
- Knowledge of International Telecommunications Union (ITU), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum management processes
- Knowledge of RF communications systems and architectures
- Project development experience and ability to lead small teams of engineers
- Ability to present results effectively in briefings and technical reports
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance
- Some travel, approximately less than 10%, is anticipated
For the Senior Engineering Specialist role, proven project development and technical leadership experience is also required.
Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in engineering or related discipline
- Knowledge of various government programs and commercial satellite systems
- Proficiency in Python or Matlab
- Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as STK and Visualyse
- Prior experience with spectrum coordination and policy
- Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
Pay
The grade-based pay range for this job is $129,000.00 - $249,600.00 annually.
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; immediately eligible and vested upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs
- Education assistance programs