2026 Space Systems Modeling & Simulation 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 Space Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineers for the Communication and Network Architectures Subdivision (CNAS) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).

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 (DoD), intelligence community (IC), and commercial 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

CNAS performs analysis, modeling and simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, digital signal processing algorithms and space and ground networks to transport those signals to meet the needs of our customers. As an engineer within CNAS, you will join an amazing team in solving challenging technical problems to ensure the success of our US Government military and national program customer needs and shape the future of space!

We are seeking engineers with strong motivation to embrace continuous learning regarding our satellite systems, technical solutions, and customer needs, while leveraging your existing technical strengths and interests. We want you to learn from your fellow engineers while also sharing your growing knowledge and expertise with others over time.

Selected candidates will work onsite at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support space missions spanning DoD, IC, and commercial customers. You will often be working closely with military officers and government civilians, prime contractors, and Aerospace engineers from other technical disciplines.
• Participate in technical studies and analysis to develop implementable technical solutions to the Nation's hardest space communications problems.
• Participate in research projects to develop the next generation of concepts, signals, architectures, and technologies related to space communications.
• Communicate technical results and their customer impact, clearly in presentations and in written reports.
• Continually learn about our space systems and help push technological boundaries with your innovative ideas.

What Corporate Skills You'll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing customer needs
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or STEM related discipline from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months.
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++.
• General knowledge, coursework and/or prior internship or project experience related to communication systems and/or systems modeling and simulation (hardware, software)
• Ability to provide technical solutions in response to customer needs.
• Willing to travel occasionally to a customer site approximately 0-10%.
• 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.
• Transcripts required

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

• Masters, and/or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or related discipline.
• Understanding of satellite systems, satellite communications or space networks.
• Familiarity with network testbed development and/or experience with network emulation/simulation
• Understanding of any of these communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, waveform design, channel effects, spectrum, and link performance).
• Active U.S. Government issued DOD Secret Clearance or higher.

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 - $140,000.00
• 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.