RF/Microwave Engineer - Senior Member of Technical Staff at The Aerospace Corporation — El Segundo, CA
Full-timeEl Segundo, CA$110,400–$165,500/yearPosted 2026-07-29Apply on Workday
Full job description
The Communication Electronics Department is looking for an RF/Microwave Engineer who wants their work to matter – someone ready to own projects across the lifecycle of analysis, design, and measurement that will transform the next generation of RF and microwave space systems.
Why We're Different:
- Ownership. Not just "contributor to slide 47 of a PowerPoint." You'll lead projects that shape and define the future of space.
- Flexibility that respects your capabilities. Choose your approach; experiment and iterate. We trust you to solve hard problems your way.
- Collegial, not corporate. Think academic research lab meets mission-critical engineering. We collaborate across disciplines, debate and share ideas, and foster an open and curious culture.
- Two-way learning. We'll invest in your growth—and we genuinely want to learn from your expertise.
The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Shape the future of space hardware – Provide expert guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads that contractors build for critical government missions
- Master the art of measurement – employ advanced microwave measurement techniques and operate specialized microwave test equipment
- Build what doesn't exist yet – Create RF payload prototypes and emulators that bridge the gap between theory and orbit
- Model complex systems – Generate performance budgets and run circuit simulations (ADS, Microwave Office) that predict how systems will behave before a single component is soldered
- Become an anomaly detective – When hardware misbehaves (and it will), you'll be the one who combines analytical rigor with hands-on experimentation to find out why
- Collaborate in real-time and space – Work side-by-side with talented engineers and technicians to solve the hardest problems in the space enterprise
What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of the Technical Staff
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- Five or more years related (including post graduate studies) technical experience in any of the following microwave engineering areas
- Modeling of microwave and/or millimeter-wave circuits using ADS OR Microwave Office
- Relevant experience with modeling or measuring performance of radar, sensor, and/or communication payload hardware and systems
- Modeling of microwave semiconductors or plasma devices
- Experience with manual and remote operation of network analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators and other instrumentation
- Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, handling ambiguity and imperfectly defined problems, an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills
- Ability to engage others and influence technical decisions.
- Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:
- Seven or more years of relevant experience with communication or radar payload hardware
- Mentoring of junior personnel
- Technical team leadership
How You Can Stand Out
- Current SECRET or TS/SCI clearances
- Experience operating high-power microwave amplifiers
- Experience with applying AI/ML to microwave design problems
(Min - Max)
$110,400.00 - $165,500.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
- 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
Equal Opportunity Commitment