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Communications Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, California, El Segundo
Mar 05, 2025

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!

We are looking for a Senior Network Architect to provide support in the Network Systems Department (NSD) to lead and perform trade studies, analyses, and simulations of space network architectures. This role will provide critical insight and feedback to government customers to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems.

The right candidate is interested in initiating studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions, providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors, taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action. This position may also have the opportunity to lead cross-organizational teams and drive customer engagement.

Work Model: This role may have the flexibility to support in a hybrid work model; however, the majority will be required onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

Job Summary:

  • Lead/participate in multi-disciplinary engineering teams in development and analysis of future network architectures and requirements
  • Analyze and simulate complex network architectures and protocols
  • Engage in systems architecture definition, development, analysis, modeling & simulation, and prototype development/validation.
  • Innovate through specialized technical studies and internal research and development (R&D) projects to develop the next generation of Space and Ground network concepts, architectures, and technologies
  • Coordinate tasks in technical meetings for Space System Command (SSC), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and Civil & Commercial customers working with a diverse team comprising military officers and Government civilians, prime contractors, SE&I contractors and other Federally Funded Research & Development Corporations (FFRDC)s
  • Evaluate and develop multiple access communications or engineering technologies.
  • Support development and sustainment of core network simulation, emulation, and modeling capabilities.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree ina STEM discipline.
  • Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in network architectures or related disciplines.
  • Experience in software development in Python or C/C++
  • Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats/audiences
  • Willing to travel, as needed (up to 10%)
  • 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

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Demonstrated Expertise of Network testbed development and Network Engineering concepts
  • Experience with one or more of the following: data analysis, OSI and TCP/IP models and in network design, analysis, and modeling & simulation.
  • Deep knowledge of routing and switching protocols, and/or Graph Theory concepts
  • Broad exposure to various network emulation/simulation approaches
  • Experience with the following technical areas: inter-satellite cross-links and laser optical communication technologies, and/or military and commercial satellite communication systems and network engineering
  • Possess a current and active U.S. Government Security Clearance - Top Secret/SCI level

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)

$166,400 - $249,600 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal,as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

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