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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

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.

Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Reconnaissance Systems (RS) Office is looking for an RF System Analyst (Senior Project Engineer) to support manufacturing, unit test, subsystem integration, and SV-level test activities for a spacecraft communication subsystem and other auxiliary RF hardware in support of a major national space system acquisition.  As an RF System Analyst you will support technical trades, independent studies, and issue resolution associated with Communications architectures, space-based and ground-based networks, data throughput, and cybersecurity elements.

Work Model

This position requires 100% in person work in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate a team of matrixed engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) monitoring spacecraft RF communication and auxiliary RF payload hardware manufacturing, unit test, subsystem integration and test, and SV-level testing, providing technical and programmatic assessments, and providing daily reports to customers.
• Guide associated milestone reviews (ex. Test Readiness Review) and sell-off activities.
• Oversee non-conformance, anomaly, and major technical issue response teams, direct supporting SME redesign evaluation, test, and analysis, consolidate input, and provide recommendations in support of root cause and corrective action efforts.
• Support RF communication and auxiliary RF payload subsystem engineering and test activities at the Enterprise level
• Provide primary on-site Aerospace interface to RF communication and auxiliary RF payload subsystem Customer

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics or science field
• A minimum of 12 years’ of progressively more responsible engineering experience
• Experience in spacecraft electronics subsystem development
• A background in in unit-level, subsystem-level, and spacecraft-level RF electronics manufacturing, assembly, test, and system engineering
• Willing to support frequent travel (typically 1-2 weeks per month)
• This position requires the ability to have and maintain 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in relevant engineering, mathematics or science field
• Demonstrated initiative and leadership without direct management oversight. 
• Strong customer-oriented attitude with outstanding skills in coordinating exchanges between technical staff and the customer.
• Experience in  successfully leading teams in the manufacture, test, and sell-off of spacecraft electronics and electronics subsystems
• Knowledge of and experience with RF electronics manufacture, testing, and sell-off at the unit, subsystem, and spacecraft level.
• History of working in a fast-paced team environment.

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.