Payload 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 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.

Directorate-H, Electronic Programs Division, is seeking a Payload Systems Engineer (Project Engineer – Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering) to work in a fast-pace, Government program office responsible for designing and building a new SIGINT program from the ground up.  You will be providing FFRDC technical support directly to the Government customer and working closely with industry contractors and across Aerospace.  Additionally, you will be providing technical expertise, critical recommendations, technical analysis, and leading Aerospace efforts related to space system acquisition from conceptual design to on-orbit checkout and operations.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide expert systems engineering and mission integration support to a challenging National program
• Provide subject matter expertise in the area of payload acquisitions and integration
• Develop technical solutions that improve Mission Assurance practices within the National SIGINT enterprise through the application of proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles toward the goal of achieving mission success
• Conduct studies and analyses that support technical and programmatic decision-making
• Assessing mission trades between segments and products for system-level design reviews to help identify optimal systems architecture designs
• Working side by side with the Customer, Aerospace and SETAs in a dynamic space system acquisition environment collocated in a USG facility
• Be an individual contributor of a multi-disciplined team with a common and shared vision
• Proactively seek out areas of program risks while developing mitigations
• Collaborate and communicate frequently with SETA, industry contractors, mid-level and senior Government officials
• Provide matrixed technical support to other next-generation SIGINT acquisition activities, as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Systems Engineering - Acquisition and Systems Engineering

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related technical field
• 8 or more years of progressively more responsible experience
• Experience integrating RF and Digital payloads with spacecraft bus systems (power, thermal, data handling)
• Knowledge of RF/microwave payload architectures including receivers, downconverters, and signal processing chains
• Experience with RF and Digital payload calibration, characterization, and performance verification testing
• Demonstrated ability in formulating plans, leading studies, and utilizing internal technology competency organizations
• Ability to communicate technical information to audiences with wide-ranging backgrounds
• Ability to think independently, identify problems, and develop solutions with minimal to no management direction
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of time
• This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Engineering – Acquisition and Systems Engineering requires:

• 12 years engineering experience working with space borne RF and Digital payload systems
• Strong communication skills with experience coordinating/leading exchanges between Aerospace and Contractor Subject Matter Experts as well as briefing Senior Customer program leadership

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related discipline
• Previous experience in NRO satellite acquisitions or operations
• Understanding of how RF microwave subsystems interface and transitions to Digital subsystems
• Understanding of digital signal processing (DSP) for SIGINT applications including channelization, filtering, and beamforming
• Knowledge of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis for space-based systems
• Previous experience in the development and operation of prototype space vehicles or payloads
• Specific experience in the following:
  • Signal Detection and Estimation
  • Electromagnetic Signal Propagation
  • Link Analysis
  • Sensitivity Analysis
• Proficiency with any of the following: MATLAB, C/C++, Python, VHDL  
• Experience working across the NRO Enterprise
• Strong ability to build relationships and enhance partnerships

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)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00

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.