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.

Electronic Programs Division’s Directorate E is looking for an Advanced RF Electronics Engineer (Senior Project Leader – Payload Systems Engineer – RF) to help shape customer investments in cutting edge radio frequency collection technologies. As a member of the Aerospace team you will investigate new technologies, participate in prototyping, forge maturation strategies, and recommend investments to the customer.  You’ll communicate new developments to your Aerospace counterparts across the Electronic Programs Division and help identify transition opportunities for new technologies to their customers.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at the customer facility in Chantilly, Virginia.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working as a member of the Radio-Frequency Technology Office (RFTO) to investigate cutting edge technologies and mature them for implementation across a variety of National Security Systems.
• Integrating Aerospace expertise in prototyping, testing, and modeling to speed technology maturation.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across the National Security Space Technology enterprise to identify promising capabilities and collaborate on implementation paths.
• Communicating with senior government officials to report findings, recommend future activities, and support technology transition.
• Lead engineering studies to analyze new and proposed RF collection system designs, evaluating technical approaches and performance trade-offs

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Leader – Payload Systems Engineer - RF

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or another technical discipline 
• 12 years of experience in increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Experience with signal processing, radio frequency technologies or signals intelligence systems
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and peers.
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 5-10% if required.  
• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/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:

• Familiarity with government acquisition lifecycle and systems engineering activities
• Familiarity working on technology maturation activities in support of a government program office.
• Familiarity with Overhead SIGINT systems and operations
• Working knowledge of National Security Space, needs, funding, technology investment methods, and industrial base capabilities.
• Direct experience working in a government program office as a member of a combined government, SETA, and Aerospace team.

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)

$171,400.00 - $257,100.00

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.