Lead Communications Engineer: SIGINT Modeling and Simulation

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. 

The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) delivers modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions that help shape how the nation’s most critical space communication and ground systems are designed, acquired, and evolved. Our modeling and performance assessments around communication architectures, networks, and mission management strategies. directly inform and influence decisions for multiple customers including USAF/USSF, the Intelligence Community, and other government customers. 

We are seeking a SIGINT/Communications M&S Engineer to evaluate space-based intelligence architectures. In this role, you will apply your expertise in signals intelligence, mission management, and resource allocation to support requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and mission performance modeling that directly informs national security. 

Work Model:  

This full-time position requires at least 4 days/week of onsite work in Chantilly, VA. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Lead analysis teams driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and emerging customer communication and ground architectures 

• Coordinate complex technical tasks among customers, managing resources to efficiently staff and execute projects 

• Serve as a technical mentor to junior staff in one or more department focus areas 

• Independently translate customer needs into project objectives and provide technical evaluations 

• Perform end-to-end (E2E) performance evaluations and analysis-of-alternatives (AoA) using in-house or internally developed analysis tools 

• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:  

Project Leader 

• B.S degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited school 

• 8 or more years of industry experience, with demonstrated experience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks, and translating customer needs into tasks for team members 

• Professional experience with space-related modeling, communication/ground architectures, data network modeling, scheduling algorithms and operations, or mission management 

• Knowledge in one or more of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems or space protection 

• Experience with one or more software languages that may include MATLAB, Python, or C++ 

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI 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: 

• Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above 

• Significant experience in one or more of the functional/mission areas listed above  

• Technical knowledge of SIGINT satellite systems/payloads and relevant mission knowledge 

• M&S experience in one of the following areas: RF link budgets, mission management, or satellite scheduling and resource allocation 

• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios 

• Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include MATLAB, Python, or C++  

• Current TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph 

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)

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  

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.

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.