Digital Signals & RF Engineer

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!

Interested in prototyping cutting-edge communication and Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems that will drive future acquisition programs? Then a role as a Digital Communications & Signal Processing Engineer in the Digital Communication Implementation Department (DCID), under The Aerospace Corporation’s MPD, is the ideal landing spot for your next career move!

DCID uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes (GNSS, PNT, GPS, etc.) that solve the toughest problems related to digital communication systems. DCID’s support includes guiding the acquisition of next-generation communication and navigation systems needed by our customers, helping industry implement cutting edge technologies and creating innovative solutions to our customers’ most challenging problems.  Our group supports exciting programs such as the Aerospace CubeSat SlingShot Platform, the development of the Payload Characterization and Environments (PACE) Lab, and competes in challenges such as the Blind Signal Classification Challenge. Please join us on the leading edge of digital communications. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

Job Summary: 

• Developing and implementing signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS/GNSS/Software Defined Radio receivers and/or communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing on FPGA hardware or in software  

• Analysis of signal processing performance using MATLAB, Python, or similar simulation environments  

• Prototyping of cutting-edge real-time systems for emulation and proof of concept  

• Research pertaining to advanced signal processing, GNSS technology/future development and Alternative PNT concepts  

• Documenting work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues  

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• ​​Master’s degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an area of digital signal processing and Digital Communications  

• Proficiency with any of the following: MATLAB, C/C++, Python, VHDL  

• Experience with digital communication and/or DSP algorithms in hardware using FPGAs  

• Previous experience testing, fielding, or developing GNSS systems  

• Detailed understanding of GNSS architecture  

• 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 a security clearance Top-Secret level with SCI access. This process will begin after the start date.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another related field in an area of digital signal processing, GNSS positioning and navigation, alternative navigation techniques  

• Experience using GNURadio, USRPs, and the GNSS SDR

• Proficiency working with and modeling for GNSS Simulators

•  Skill with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes)

• Familiarity with Linux, Real-Time Operating Systems, and DevOps tools (Jira, Git, Jenkins)

• Experience with Anomaly testing for GNSS hardware

• Pervious experience interacting directly with government customers

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)

$110,400.00 - $165,500.00

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.