Communication & Network Architect - Principal Scientist/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!

Aerospace’s Communication and Network Architecture Sub-division (CNAS), which is part of the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), is seeking a Principal Scientist / Engineer (PSE) in Communications and Network Architectures.  This candidate will fill an existing PSE position that has recently opened up.   This role will be part of the CNAS team focused on developing and integrating resilient communication and network technical capabilities for use by a wide variety of customers across the Aerospace enterprise.

The PSE will have deep expertise in network technologies from both the defense and commercial sectors, including experience with the rapid rise of pLEO, optical crosslinks, AI/ML, and adaptive networks, which are transforming both space and ground networks.

The PSE will help shape CNAS efforts to develop and build the next generation of network engineering capabilities, including the tools, procedures, testbeds and prototypes needed to stay ahead of emerging requirements and ensure technical feasibility.  The PSE will also help drive integration of commercial capabilities into future government architectures. 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work directly with government customers to drive the rapid development of innovative space communication network architectures and related ground networks to meet the needs of a multitude of programs in National Security Space
• Help identify prototyping opportunities and with developing internal laboratory testbeds necessary to position CNAS and Aerospace for a leadership role with both commercial providers and government stakeholders
• With unique knowledge of customer challenges across the space enterprise, contribute to CNAS strategic planning activities to help grow Aerospace’s leadership role
• Collaborate across CNAS, MPD and ETG as needed to integrate activities for a more impactful approach to delivering networking capabilities to our customers.
• Mentor and advise staff in communication and network architecture principles and in the introduction of new approaches to different applications
• Provide input to management on technical succession planning and skillset requirements

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM, Engineering, or a related technical field
• 15+ years’ experience in communications and space and ground network systems architecture design, with a track record of innovation and development of new technology solutions in these areas.
• Direct experience leading technology development of communication systems, space and ground network and resilient communication solutions.
• Specific experience in architecting, designing, modeling and testing SATCOM architectures for government applications
• Experience leading space and ground data network architecture-related R&D initiatives
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multidisciplined teams and engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working with senior government officials, industry partners, and research communities
• Demonstrated mentoring and developing technical talent
• This position requires ability to attain Top Secret/SCI clearance and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance; (ability to be vetted for US Government Compartmented and Special Access Programs)
• Strong sense of urgency and an ability to drive pragmatic execution to meet objectives.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in STEM, or degree in Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Demonstrated expertise with problem-solving and independent analysis, and a commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready solutions that empower mission success in the rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.
• Extensive examples of applying technical rigor and delivering actionable insights, while utilizing risk mitigation processes (across cost, schedule and technical risks), to save time and resources on critical national security and commercial space programs
• Successful track record of prototyping early solutions that were successfully transitioned to the broader community
• Experience establishing joint partnerships across the communication and network architecture community to deliver mission impact to our customers
• Knowledge of AI/ML for network orchestration, routing selection, advanced waveforms and resilient solutions.
• Direct experience designing and developing applications for space systems and/or satellite ground systems
• Experience working across sensitive and compartmented DoD and Intelligence community missions

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)

$203,800.00 - $305,600.00

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:

• 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.