Aero

Microwave Transmitter/Receiver Engineer

El Segundo, CA Full time

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!

You will support the development of national security microwave and millimeter-wave communication, radar,  and sensor systems hardware through a mix of measurements and analysis.  Development, design, fabrication, and operation of these systems and components are just part of the job.  You will also work on the hardest microwave engineering problems that impact national security space and ground systems.

We offer more project flexibility and personal responsibility, including opportunities to perform technical project management, than the usual engineering company.  Our academic-inspired collegial atmosphere encourages collaboration;  we're also ready to learn from you.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Design, develop, build, and operate microwave and millimeter-wave transmitters and receivers

  • Apply advanced microwave measurement techniques to SSPAs, TWTAs and frequency converters

  • Provide technical insight to internal and external customers regarding communication, radar, and sensor system design and performance

  • Solve microwave hardware anomalies from the component to the system level using analytical methods and laboratory measurements

  • Lead technical team projects

  • Collaborate onsite with other engineers and technicians

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

Minimum Requirements:

  • A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics (Electromagnetics or Plasma) or related discipline

  • Four or more years of relevant experience in communication or radar hardware and systems

  • Knowledge and/or experience in several of the following engineering areas

    • Microwave Transmitter/Receiver hardware design AND/OR performance measurements

    • Measurement or analysis experience assessing the effect of amplifier nonlinearity on communication or sensor hardware

    • Understanding of how distortion in a communications channel affects signal quality and system performance (EVM)

  • Experience with manual and software-based operation of network analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators and other instrumentation

  • Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts.

  • Soft skills including the ability to engage others, influence technical decisions, and mentor junior personnel

  • Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:

  • Seven or more years of relevant experience in communication or radar hardware              

  • Technical team leadership

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • Experience operating TWTAs or other high-power microwave amplifiers

  • Experience with waveguide components

  • Experience with Python or other software for instrument control

  • Current TS/SCI clearance

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 - $193,500.00

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.