Senior RF Analyst

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!Join an Elite Team Shaping the Future of National Security from SpaceAre you ready to work on some of the most critical and technically challenging space missions in the nation? We're seeking an exceptional RF Payload Engineer with mission analysis expertise to join the Electronic Intercepts and Measurements Department in our Sensing and Processing Subdivision within MPD.Why This Opportunity Stands OutYou'll be part of a powerhouse team of highly respected engineers and scientists who serve as trusted advisors to our nation's most vital space programs. This isn't just another engineering role—you'll provide strategic matrix support directly to marquee customers including the United States Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and leading Civil and Commercial space organizations.The Technical PlaygroundTackle intellectually stimulating problems that span the full spectrum of RF payload engineering:Advanced antenna systems designEnd-to-end transmit and receive chain optimizationSophisticated mission modeling and analysisCutting-edge electronic warfare applicationsMaritime surveillance systemsSignal processing innovationAlgorithm development for signal products and exploitationYour ImpactLeverage your engineering judgment, deep knowledge of current technology, and understanding of national systems to influence critical decisions on RF payload design and performance for programs of national importance. You'll work at the intersection of theory and real-world application, where your expertise directly contributes to national security and space superiority.The EnvironmentCollaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team where innovation thrives and technical excellence is the standard. This is your chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field on challenges that truly matter.The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility Chantilly, VAWhat You’ll Be DoingDrive Critical Mission Success – Apply your deep expertise in RF payload design, performance analysis, and mission modeling to solve complex challenges in signal propagation, SIGINT system performance, and requirements development for high-stakes national security programs.Innovate at the Hardware-Software Interface – Design breakthrough solutions by developing efficient hardware implementations through advanced digital modeling and creating sophisticated signal processing algorithms that push the boundaries of what's possible.Lead from Discovery to Delivery – Transform customer needs into actionable analysis plans, lead cross-functional analysis efforts, and guide stakeholders from concept through execution with confidence and technical authority.Shape the Future of Space Systems – Serve as a trusted technical advisor during requirements development, leveraging your expertise to influence program direction and ensure mission success from day one.Own the Full Lifecycle – Shepherd payload designs from initial program requirements through operational deployment and end-of-life, ensuring technical excellence at every phase.Elevate the Next Generation – Mentor junior engineers and scientists, sharing your knowledge to build the department's collective capabilities and foster a culture of technical excellence.Minimum RequirementsWhat You Need to be Successful – Senior Engineering SpecialistSeasoned Expertise – 12+ years of hands-on experience in RF engineering and mission analysis, including relevant postgraduate research and development workAdvanced Technical Foundation – Master's or Ph.D. from an accredited institution in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline that fuels innovationCoding Versatility – Proficiency in two or more of the essential tools of the trade: MATLAB, C/C++, and Python—with the ability to choose the right tool for each challengeReal-World SIGINT Experience – Proven track record in RF payload design for SIGINT systems, conducting sophisticated trade studies, and performing mission analysis including geolocation techniquesAgility in Action – Demonstrated ability to pivot and adapt as mission priorities evolve, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where flexibility is keyCollaborative Leadership – Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate across diverse teams, build consensus, and partner effectively with internal groups and external stakeholdersMission-Ready Access – Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access, enabling you to engage with the nation's most sensitive programs from day oneWillingness to Engage – Availability for occasional domestic travel to support customer engagements and program activitiesHow You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:Deep SIGINT Domain Mastery – Specialized technical knowledge of satellite-based SIGINT systems, architectures, and operational concepts that sets you apart as a subject matter expertHigh-Performance Computing Prowess – Experience with advanced parallel programming frameworks (Spark, CUDA, MPI, or similar) that enable breakthrough performance in large-scale signal processing and analysisVision for Tomorrow's Missions – Familiarity with emerging SIGINT architectures and next-generation space vehicles, bringing forward-looking insights that help shape the future of national intelligence capabilitiesWe 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)$166,400.00 - $249,600.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe 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 CommitmentThe 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.