Vector Force Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 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. Ourexpertiseencompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. Weleveragethis deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

We are looking for an RF and Antenna Engineer to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success oftoday'sand tomorrow's space architectures. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts whileprovidingstrategic guidance to both the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facilityin Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide subject matterexpertiseinantennas and antenna systemsand/orRF components and systems using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements

• Solvetechnically challengingproblems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing

• Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations andauthorreport findings

• Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and/or opportunitiesand providerecommendedcourses of action

• Lead cross-organizational teams,organize interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices. May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources.

• Acts as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

• Willingness to travel up to 10% of time

What You Need to be Successful -Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field

• Minimum of eight years ofrelevant experience

• Strongunderstanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, and electromagnetic field theory

• Familiarity withwirelesscommunication links, including link budget analysis, modulation techniques, and frequency allocations

• Practical skills in the use of standard measurement equipment like Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power meters

• Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation, design reports, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams

• This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain this level of security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements forSenior EngineeringSpecialist:

• Minimum of twelve years of experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibility

• Experience architecting, planning, and leading complex RF and antennaprojects includingmentoring of junior staff

• Able to translate, tailor, and present (written and orally) complex technical concepts to stakeholders of varying knowledge levels, including non-specialists

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced technical degree, MS or PhD, in Electrical Engineering or anotherrelated discipline with a focus on Electromagnetics, Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, or another related field

• Experience in the modeling, design, fabrication, and test of various antenna types (e.g., horn, patch, phased array)

• Experience with electromagnetic and RF simulation software tools such as Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, GRASP, Keysight ADS, Microwave Office, or similar tools

• Comfortable in common and relevant programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for data analysis, scripting, or building custom analysis tools

• Previousexperience in the use of anechoic chambers for RF and antenna measurements

• Current Top Secret security clearance with SCI access