Senior Communications Engineer, Modeling and Simulation

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. 

The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) delivers modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions that help shape how the nation’s most critical space communication and ground systems are designed, acquired, and evolved. Our modeling and performance assessments around communication architectures, networks, and mission management strategies directly inform and influence decisions for multiple customers including USAF/USSF, the Intelligence Community, and other government customers. 

Work Model:  

This full-time position requires at least 4 days/week of onsite work in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, COS, or El Segundo, CA. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Lead analysis teams whose recommendations directly shape acquisition and development decisions for the nation’s space-based and terrestrial communication systems 

• Serve as a go-to technical authority in one or more of the areas of:

  • Communication and ground architecture performance (e.g. coverage and capacity assessments, architecture trade studies, end-to-end architecture evaluations) 
  • Network modeling (e.g. topology design and optimization, throughput/latency analysis, network resilience) 
  • Scheduling and mission management (e.g. satellite collection/contact scheduling, resource allocation, CONOPS development) 

• Perform end-to-end (E2E) performance evaluations and analysis-of-alternatives (AoA) using internally developed analysis capabilities 

• Drive the development of staff through training, mentoring, and coaching across a national organization 

• Own the coordination of complex technical tasks across multiple customers, balancing resources and priorities to deliver time-sensitive analysis 

• Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling briefings for technical leads, senior leadership, and government customers 

• Drive innovation in corporate M&S capabilities supporting the analysis of communication and ground systems 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements:  

Engineering Specialist 

• B.S degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering with a strong communications background 

• Typically, 6 or more years of industry experience, with demonstrated experience leading engineering studies or analysis teams  

• Professional experience in one or more of the following specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems or space protection 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications 

• Experience with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist include: 

• Typically, 10 or more years of industry experience, with demonstrated experience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks, and translating customer needs into tasks for team members 

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and to help customers manage ambiguity 

• Significant professional experience in one or more of the following specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems or space protection 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors 

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above 

• Current TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph 

• Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB 

• Significant experience in Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios