Microwave Test 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.

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!

Are you passionate about understanding not just the how RF and microwave test equipment works  but also the why? Do you want to grow as an engineer with opportunities to participate in microwave analysis, modeling, and design activities?  The Communications Electronics Department (CED) is seeking a Microwave Test Engineer who thrives on curiosity, goes beyond following procedures, asks questions, and seeks root causes. In this role, you’ll design and implement innovative and unique RF/microwave test benches using state-of-the-art modeling, prototyping, and measurement capabilities, while at the same time collaborating with microwave and millimeter-wave subject matter experts. You’ll work in a dynamic and challenging academic-like environment that values intellectual curiosity, a growth mindset, and practical impact, a place where you can make a tangible difference in the development and operation of our nation’s most critical space systems.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop test benches with microwave instrumentation such as network analyzers and/or high-speed oscilloscopes

• Independently analyze test data

• Perform engineering design, analysis, and modeling

• Collaborate onsite with fellow engineers and technicians

• Mentor technical and technician staff.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other related discipline

• Minimum of 1-year of hands-on experience testing microwave instrumentation such as network and spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, and signal sources

• Demonstrated proficiency in instrument automation using PYTHON, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar languages

• Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, handling ambiguity and imperfectly defined problems, an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills

• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%

• For this specific position and the U.S. Government program we support, the chosen candidate will need to be of U.S. Citizenship as they will need to have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance at a Top-Secret/SSBI Level.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Member of the Technical Staff:

• Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other related discipline with 3 years of experience or Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other related discipline with 5 years of experience with microwave testing AND all of the above related requirements.

• Track record writing test procedures

• Experience generating test reports

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience with high-power microwave amplifiers or systems

• Ability to perform microwave circuit simulations using ADS or AWR Microwave Office

• Capability to perform EM simulations using Sonnet, AXIEM, or HFSS

• Technical Team Leadership

• Currently hold an active DOD – Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI access.

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  

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.