2027 Entry Level DSP & SDR 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.

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 Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division, excels in managing the full communications chain—from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. We leverage this deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

We are looking for an DSP & SDR Engineer to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success of today's and tomorrow’s space architectures. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts while providing strategic guidance to both the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Gain hands-on experience with the department's laboratory infrastructure, including advanced SDR hardware platforms, CI/CD development environments, high performance compute hardware, and RF test and measurement instrumentation
• Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, data processing, and hardware prototyping
• Use your technical abilities and insights to ensure ongoing development programs remain successful and identify areas of improvement for future missions
• Support technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and be able to document and present findings to a wide audience
• Work closely with other subject area experts in cross-organizational teams; participating in interfaces with customers and/or Aerospace program offices.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 

What You Need to be Successful - Associate Member of Technical Staff:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience with scientific programming using languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C
• Exposure to a laboratory environment with common RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, etc...
• Understanding of basic DSP principles such as modulation, filtering, and sampling with the ability to apply them toward custom algorithms
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of time.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out - Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff:

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

• Master's or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Active DoD security clearance
• Experience working with software defined radios or embedded electronics
• Exposure to RF communication system principles, design, and analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on relevant high impact tasks
• Familiarity with programming and interfacing with linux-based systems including SDRs, FPGAs, laboratory equipment, and other embedded devices for custom applications with real world performance requirements
• Experience with utilizing machine learning workflows or HPC hardware for digital signal processing applications
• Understanding of computer networking principles and protocols

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)

$90,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.