Lead Communications Systems Engineer

Position Overview Lead Communications Systems Engineer (Senior Project Leader - Communications Systems & Payload Systems Engineering – RF) for the Government’s Space Systems Group (SSG). Leads Aerospace’s technical efforts in support of high‑priority communication technology projects and shapes the future of space communications. Serves within the Transport Engineering Division (TED) supporting the SSG Chief Engineer and focuses on communications architecture definition, development acquisitions, system‑level requirements, and related studies and demonstrations. This fully on‑site position is based in Chantilly, VA. Responsibilities Serve as a technical representative to the customer, leading and evaluating communications architecture concepts with Engineering Technology Group subject matter experts. Lead various technical teams evaluating acquisition system requirements, technical specifications, and associated risk. Facilitate technical and programmatic ideas, issues, and concerns across the organization within SSG. Act as a technical contributor to on‑orbit vehicle studies and enterprise impacts. Quickly assess risk, schedule, and cost mission‑assurance trades to enable responsive delivery of space capabilities while meeting schedule and cost goals. Assist in the execution of program‑office systems engineering and acquisition processes. Qualifications Bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution or a closely related STEM field. 12 or more years of escalating responsibilities in professional engineering/scientific experience working across government programs. Track record demonstrating space systems engineering skills; able to understand, explain, and present how specific issues connect to the broader program. Significant experience with satellite communication hardware and/or digital/analog waveform processing. Experience leading cross‑organizational technical efforts with high level of innovation, creativity, and initiative. Experience monitoring and assisting in development of budgets, resource allocations, and initiation of acquisition of technical support. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multidisciplinary teams that include colleagues, government, and contractor personnel. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to develop technical materials and present to key stakeholders and senior leaders. Proven ability to act as senior mentor to team members, providing technical guidance and development insight. Ability to travel to contractor and vendor facilities as required. Requires an active Top Secret/SCI and SSBI clearance with polygraph issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. How You Can Stand Out Technical experience in space systems operations and anomaly resolution. Demonstrated communication architecture modeling and simulation analysis experience. Documented system‑level requirements for communication systems. Working knowledge of DoW/NRO acquisition processes and organizations. Familiarity with Aerospace culture and prior experience coordinating with Engineering & Technology Group. Advanced technical degree in engineering, science, physics, or related field. Benefits Competitive compensation ranging from $171,400.00 to $257,100.00 annually. The role offers comprehensive health care and wellness plans, paid holidays, sick time, vacation, standard and alternate work schedules including telework options, 401(k) plan with company‑paid contributions, flexible spending accounts, variable‑pay program for exceptional contributions, relocation assistance, professional growth and development programs, education assistance programs, and an inclusive work environment. 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, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation in applying, please contact the designated office. #J-18808-Ljbffr