Research and Development 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) Sub-Division leads Aerospace support to the R&D portfolio of a major intelligence agency. AR&E is looking for a Research and Development Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer – Multi – Disciplinary Engineering) to leverage expertise across the corporation to research, develop, and demonstrate next generation space technologies in support of this influential customer. In this role, you will have the opportunity to impact the direction of this National Security Space portfolio, advising the customer on the advancement of critical technologies spanning cross-phenomenology overhead intelligence systems, the ground and communications enterprise, and the effective utilization of autonomy and machine learning.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Managing systems analysis, modeling and simulation and technical assessment activities across the customer portfolio.
- Leveraging Aerospace experts across the corporation to scope, direct, and integrate technical analysis in support of research and development of new materials, technologies, and systems for overhead intelligence collection and processing.
- Evaluating the impact of new concepts, technologies, and CONOPs on the national security space architecture.
- Providing rigorous technical analysis to inform government decisions on future technology and demonstration system investments.
- Interfacing daily with mid- and senior-level government officials, SETA, and contractor personnel as part of a small team in a fast-paced environment.
- Occasional travel

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Engineer – Multi-Disciplinary Engineering

- Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.

- 10 or more years of relevant experience.

- Experience in research and development of new technologies for space systems, such as sensors, processing, or communications, especially in:

- Radio frequency (RF) components, architectures, and signal processing

- Remote sensing technologies (EO or RF)

- Microelectronics space applications

- Materials and Materials Processing

- Quantum computing

- Experience in technical project management, scoping projects and leveraging inter-disciplinary teams.

- Ability to be proactive, think strategically, and anticipate needs.

- This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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:

- Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field

- Direct experience with government or commercial space systems

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)
$160,300.00 - $240,500.00

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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

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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

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Flexible spending accounts

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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

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Relocation assistance

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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

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Education assistance programs

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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.