Senior Antenna Systems Engineer
- TS/SCI clearance
How this pay compares
This posting does not state its pay. Open RF engineer jobs in California post a median of $182k a year, the middle half $152k–$202k, across 135 jobs that state their pay.
RF and communications engineers in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
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! The Antenna Systems Department is engaged in modeling & simulation along with prototyping & testbed development.
The range of work includes CubeSat antenna systems, ground station support, spacecraft antenna design & modeling, construction of prototypes and pattern measurements in our anechoic chambers. We help our government customers execute missions of national interest and define future missions.
We work closely with our colleagues to develop software defined radio (SDR) communication systems (transmitter & receivers), and RF systems in support of prototyping and customer developments.We are looking for a Senior Antenna Systems Engineer(Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist) This is a full-time, on-site position based in El Segundo, CA. ## What You’ll Be Doing - Join the Antenna Systems Department as an experienced staff member who works both independently and as a leader of project teams - Provide subject matter expertise in RF systems, antennas, and receive and transmit systems - Solve technical problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing - Engage our customers with impact to solve our hardest problems - Use your technical abilities and insights to foster innovation, ensure success of current programs and influence future missions - Operate strategically by supporting our DoD and Intelligence Community customers ## Minimum Requirements - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant technical discipline - 8 or more years of related experience in Antenna/RF System design, analysis and testing - Possess an active TS/SCI security clearance - Proficiency with a variety of analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, Feko, CST, and/or GRASP - Experience measuring antennas in an anechoic chamber - Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of the time ## In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist - 12 or more years of related experience in Antenna/RF System design, analysis, and testing - Experience supporting DoD/IC programs and payloads - Demonstrated experience leading development projects and mentoring junior staff - Proven ability to architect and implement antenna and RF and antenna system solutions with real-world performance requirements ## It would be impressive if you have one or more of these - Advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant technical discipline - Experience with ground stations - Proficiency in scientific programming using languages such as C, C++, MATLAB, Python - Experience leading projects related to antenna systems, radar systems, SIGINT processing, communication systems, and hardware prototyping - Work with metamaterials - Experience with MEDA antennas - Involvement with RCS measurements 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) $129,000.00 - $249,600.00 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 .
From The Aerospace Corporation's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About The Aerospace Corporation
Nonprofit research center for the space enterprise, working mainly for the US Space Force and the NRO.
Pay on its listings: 0% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on The Aerospace Corporation's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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