2026 Communications Architecture Analyst - Communications Systems Engineer

Location: Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

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.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) consists of a team dedicated to delivering modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions to answer new and emerging government and commercial customer needs. We conduct modeling and performance assessments of complex communication, network, and ground architectures, scheduling and resource allocation algorithms, and mission management strategies.

Work Model:

This full-time position requires 100% onsite work in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Gaining knowledge and experience in one or more of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: communication and ground infrastructures, signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems and/or space protection
• Produce analysis driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and emerging customer communication and ground architectures
• Perform end-to-end (E2E) performance evaluations and analysis-of-alternatives (AoA) using in-house or internally developed analysis tools
• Work closely with senior staff, management, and a team to translate customer needs into project objectives and provide technical evaluations
• Support development and sustainment of the organization’s analysis and simulation tools and capabilities
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: 

Member of Technical Staff

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Academic or internship experience with space-related modeling, communication/ground architectures, data network modeling, scheduling algorithms and logistics, or mission management
• Experience with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB
• The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (US Citizenship required)
• Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Significant experience in one or more of the functional areas listed above
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios
• Experience developing and presenting analysis results to government customers
• Current TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph

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