ENGINEERING SPECIALIST

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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Exciting times at Aerospace Corporation!
The Main Mission of communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) in the Aerospace Corporation. This division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.
We are looking to hire an Engineering Specialist who will provide leadership to our technical staff under The Optical Communications Office (OCE) in which applies lasercom technologies and concepts to unique challenges in the space domain. The selected individual will play a critical part in guiding the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources.
TO NOTE:
*This role can be supported either out of our El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA locations.
**May bring some flexibility to support in a hybrid work model; though, the majority of the will be required onsite.
Take a tour of some our labs and capabilities in lasercom:
https://gallery.aerospace.org/wp-content/uploads/tours/OpticalComm/
What You'll Be Doing
Job Summary:

• Conducting specialized satellite laser communications (lasercom) studies and reporting findings.
• Coordinating specific technical assignments for lasercom applications or organizations.
• Provides technical advice to management, customers, and associate contractors.
• Development of advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for subsystems.
• Providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors in satellite optical communications.
• Taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommending courses of action.
• Supporting multiple programs and/or activities and may lead intra-departmental teams and activities.
• Participating in lasercom system validation and verification activities which may include modeling & simulation and testing.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Member of Technical Staff
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field
• Minimum of 5-more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering
• Experience planning and conducting technical work that requires judgement and independent evaluation
• Experience with laser transmitters and technologies
• Experience with optical detectors and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to support lasercom trade studies
• Familiarity with communications link and pointing error budgets
• Proven ability to manage or support photonic or optical testing activities that characterize system, subsystem, unit and component performance
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Government Security Clearance, and must be of U.S citizenship for candidate consideration.

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field
• Minimum of 8-more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering
• Exhibits a high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
• Demonstrated ability to implement or oversee software development to aid in lasercom system architecture definition, requirements validation and verification, or performance modeling
• Experience presenting results, concepts and technical content internal customers, external customers and stakeholders possessing diverse technical backgrounds
• Familiarity with developing and maintaining communications link and pointing error budgets
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Government Security Clearance, and must be of U.S citizenship for candidate consideration.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university
• Experience in systems engineering applied to satellite communications or optical systems
• Experience in satellite communication systems
• Experience developing laser or electro-optical pointing, acquisition and tracking requirements
• Experience developing laser system end-to-end requirements and designs inclusive of transmitter, optical elements and receiver
• Experience with optical communication system requirements definition, validation and verification related to modulation and coding
• Demonstrated ability to lead trade studies related to optical communications receiver designs
• Experience with optical communications and space hardware testing including development of testbeds, ground support test equipment, test programs and management of test program execution for lasercom, component, units, subsystems or systems
• Experience developing or managing development of specialized software tools in programming languages such as Matlab, Python, C++ or other used in lasercom related activities
• Current Secret or Top Secret clearance with SSBI or periodic reinvestigation completed within the last 5 years that resulted in clearance granted or maintained; or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation / Vetting within the last 5 years
• Active and current U.S. Government Security Clearance - Top Secret level with SCI access + CI 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 - Mid - Max)
$103,285 - $168,019 - $232,752
Pay Basis: Annual
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.