Communication Systems 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.
The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including, the United States Space Force, the Department of the Air Force, the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.
The Spectrum Dominance Department provides technical expertise for United States Space Force (USSF) electronic communication systems. In this role, you will verify that an iteratively and incrementally developed system addresses capability needs. You will work within an integrated program office of USSF military and civilians, Aerospace, and other program office contractors.
Work Model
This is a part-time position based in El Segundo, CA. Frequent travel for test planning and verification events is expected. An estimate is that travel will be required 25% to 50% of the time. While future allowances to work remotely will depend on business priorities, remote work is allowed for this government fiscal year, FY25.
What You'll Be Doing

• Act as a verification lead for a USSF electronic communications system
• Plan and participate in test events
• Make informed technical and acquisition recommendations to government to help system meet capability needs
• Travel both CONUS and OCONUS approximately 25-50% of the time
• Build and maintain effective interpersonal relations with internal and external stakeholders, including government partners, co-workers, and other contractors
• Provide insight to Aerospace leadership on system status, risks, issues, and opportunities. Develop handling plans for risks, issues, and opportunities
• Identify and take initiatives to make system and program office successful

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer, Communication Systems Engineering
Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physical science, mathematics, or a related technical degree
• 12 years or more of engineering experience
• Current experience working with Aerospace's Spectrum Dominance Department
• Currently briefed to USSF special access programs (SAPs)
• The position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearances, which issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• The position also requires the ability to obtain and maintain additional security clearances.
• Familiarity with satellite electronic communication systems
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Able to work integrally and effectively with the program office team and staff from external organizations

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

• An advanced degree in a relevant technical area
• Expertise in space electromagnetic warfare
• Expertise in DoD acquisitions, systems engineering, information technologies, cybersecurity, or a combination thereof
• Current or previous accesses to Special Access Programs

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)
$166,400 - $249,600
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.