2026 Communications and Signal Processing 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. The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communications and Signal Processing Engineer for the Mission Payloads Division (MPD) in Chantilly, VA. 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! **Job Summary** Selected candidate will join the Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) consisting of a team that is responsible for performing analysis, modeling and simulation of end-to-end radio and optical communication systems, and signal collection/processing techniques and solutions. Team advises Aerospace customers on technical matters and advanced technology development needs. The work supports advanced concept development/prototyping, system acquisition support and anomaly resolution, primarily for specialized satellite and associated ground processing applications. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. This opportunity includes significant engagement with customers, requiring frequent visits to local customer facilities. **What You’ll Be Doing** - Performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio systems and related signal processing, including channel effects and related hardware distortion effects that impact wideband communications and collection receiver performance. Scope may include all or a portion of transmitter distortions, channel effects, receiver RF chain (antenna through analog to digital conversion), and application-specific DSP backend processing. - Performing studies and analytical trades across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications. - Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office - Contributing within CSAD, where you'll develop your skills through a combination of independent technical assignments and collaborative team-based projects - Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of technical issues and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk reduction efforts, an on-orbit testing - Acting as the organizations designated representative at customer program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia **What You Need to be Successful** *Minimum Requirements:* - Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related STEM discipline from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months. - 0-1 year of industry experience - Coursework in the areas of digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python - Solid understanding with radio satellite systems communications modeling and simulation - Working knowledge of digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, etc. - Ability to support advanced development,…