Senior DSP/SDR 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. MPD delivers groundbreaking results by advancing technology through research, development, demonstration, and integration.

The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub‑division, excels in managing the full communications chain—from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses modeling, simulation, RF chain analysis/design, and software‑defined radio systems. We develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

Senior DSP/SDR Engineer – Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department

This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts while providing strategic guidance to the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector. The selected candidate will work full time on‑site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Resolve technically challenging problems in communications, signal collection, and data processing.
• Apply DSP and SDR subject matter expertise to provide technical consultation and guidance to management, customers, and contractors, proactively surfacing technical issues and opportunities with actionable recommendations.
• Conduct independent technical studies, analyses, experiments, and simulations; author report findings.
• Leverage laboratory infrastructure—including advanced SDR hardware platforms, FPGA development toolchains, and RF test and measurement instrumentation—to develop prototypes, perform tests, and conduct experiments.
• Lead cross‑organizational teams, organize interfaces with customers and/or Aerospace program offices, and bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources.
• Serve as the organization’s designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.
• Travel up to 10% of time.

What You Need to Be Successful – Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience in progressively more responsible roles.
• Experience in a laboratory environment working with SDRs or FPGAs, and associated RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and vector signal generators.
• Experience developing and implementing DSP algorithms in embedded environments for deliverable systems on either CPU or FPGA‑based platforms.
• Experience working with customers and on multi‑disciplined teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance issued by the U.S. government.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance.

Senior Engineering Specialist Requirements

• Minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in progressively more responsible roles.
• Demonstrated ability to architect and implement digital processing and SDR system solutions in embedded environments for deliverable systems.
• Experience leading development projects and mentoring junior staff.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited university.
• Familiarity with FPGA development workflow tools (Vivado, Vitis, or ModelSim).
• Proficiency in programming and interfacing with SDRs and laboratory equipment using GnuRadio, XMidas, GPIB, or programming in C/C++ for custom applications.
• Experience working with experts in antenna systems, RF systems, SIGINT processing, communications systems, and hardware prototyping.
• Experience with Linux‑based DSP systems that span CPUs, FPGAs, GPUs, and SDR platforms.
• Strong background in scientific programming using MATLAB, C, C++, Fortran, Julia, or Python.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with performance recognition.
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company‑paid benefits and matching contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

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 or by email at

U.S. citizenship is required for positions that require a security clearance.