Communication Systems Engineering Department Associate Director

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 Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) performs analysis, simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, signals, and signal processing algorithms for our customers. Key technical areas for the department include engineering communication systems, analyzing link performance, developing digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, and designing complex simulations. The department also focuses on payload hardware design, space and terrestrial communication architectures, and requirements verification, alongside expertise in waveform design, position, navigation, timing systems, and electronic warfare.

As an Associate Director, you will be providing organizational and technical leadership to the department, as well as apply your technical expertise to develop solutions for a multitude of US government, civil, commercial, and international customers. This role partners closely with the CSED Director in the department’s growth including business development, hiring, team building, and integration of department technical capabilities.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing  

•  Strategize and co-Lead the development and implementation of organizational strategy and objectives for the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED)
•  Proactively engage with customers to understand and address their technical challenges
•  Create and present technical proposals for the acquisition of new business opportunities that both address customer needs and position our organization as a leader with our customers.
•  Lead the execution of projects and serve as the primary liaison between internal teams, customers, and external partners to ensure efficient resource utilization and mission success
•  Identify gaps and opportunities for research and development to enhance the organization competitive edge and technical capabilities
•  Accelerate the expansion of departmental laboratory facilities and technical resources to meet evolving customer and industry demands
•  Lead recruitment efforts to attract, hire, and retain the top experts in our industry
•  Partner and collaborate closely with department and division leadership team
•  Other managerial duties include resource management, performance management and team development, and budget management. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as our organization evolves

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements 

• B.S. degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or mathematics
• Ten or more years of relevant industry technical experience
• Two or more years of relevant leadership experience
• Experience with RF communication systems
• Understanding of several communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance)
• Proficiency with physical layer (PHY) modeling & simulation (MATLAB, Python, and/or C++) 
• The position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance and additional accesses, which is issued by the US government. US 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: 

•  M.S. or Ph.D. in in either Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.
•  Twelve or more years of relevant industry technical and leadership/management work experience
•  Experience working with Aerospace program office customers
•  Work with military and commercial satellite communication systems
•  Track record with US government programs in the areas of protected communications, navigation, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and/or electronic warfare (EW)
•  Familiarity of anti-jam waveforms, spread spectrum, beamforming, array processing, interference mitigation, and geolocation
•  GPS/GNSS systems and signal processing
•  Prototype development, especially with software-defined radios (SDRs)
•  Experience with modern software-development practices and tools.
•  Understanding of emerging communication and network technologies (5G,6G, IoT, IoST)
•  Know-how in machine learning theory and practice
•  Knowledge of the effects of nuclear detonations on communication system performance
•  A current and active TS/SCI and/or SAP security clearance issued by the US government

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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.