2026 Communications and Signal Processing Engineer

About the role

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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communications and Signal Processing Engineer for the Mission Payloads Division (MPD) in Chantilly, VA.

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!

Job Summary

Selected candidate will join the Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) consisting of a team that is responsible for performing analysis, modeling and simulation of end-to-end radio and optical communication systems, and signal collection/processing techniques and solutions. Team advises Aerospace customers on technical matters and advanced technology development needs. The work supports advanced concept development/prototyping, system acquisition support and anomaly resolution, primarily for specialized satellite and associated ground processing applications.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. This opportunity includes significant engagement with customers, requiring frequent visits to local customer facilities.

What You'll Be Doing

• Performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio systems and related signal processing, including channel effects and related hardware distortion effects that impact wideband communications and collection receiver performance. Scope may include all or a portion of transmitter distortions, channel effects, receiver RF chain (antenna through analog to digital conversion), and application-specific DSP backend processing.
• Performing studies and analytical trades across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications.
• Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office
• Contributing within CSAD, where you'll develop your skills through a combination of independent technical assignments and collaborative team-based projects
• Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of technical issues and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk reduction efforts, an on-orbit testing
• Acting as the organizations designated representative at customer program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related STEM discipline from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months.
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Coursework in the areas of digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python
• Solid understanding with radio satellite systems communications modeling and simulation
• Working knowledge of digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, etc.
• Ability to support advanced development, integration and testing of radio communications and/or collection systems
• Willing to travel domestically/internationally infrequently, as needed
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain security clearance
• Transcripts required

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

• Master's or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering
• Understanding of one or more of the following:
• RF systems design and analysis
• Software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and implementations
• Hardware imperfections and distortion effects
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Pay and benefits

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) $90,000.00 - $130,000.00
• 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

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.