Senior Scientist / Engineer: Remote Sensing of Target Motion & Tracking

The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems.  The Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) resides within ESD.  Our team includes scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines actively engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance.  SMSD supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications.  Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.  

Work Model: This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Develop statistically-representative models of change detection and tracking algorithms for performance prediction of remote sensing systems designed to detect and track the movement of targets (e.g. vehicles) in challenging environments. 
•  Collaborate with subject matter experts from across The Aerospace Corporation to develop and use innovative algorithms and models that aid customers in understanding system capabilities and enhance national security. 
• Lead small teams of engineers and scientists in developing end-to-end computer vision capabilities – from vehicle motion to scene simulation to image chain analysis to product quality metrics – across multiple software interfaces. 
• Work with customers and contractors to develop and design industry standards – including tracking standards, image standards, and tracking metrics – to enhance communication and ensure mission success. 
• Present and promote your work to contractors and customers to encourage adaption, influence decisions, and drive system requirements. 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline. 

• Eight years of experience after bachelor’s degree (experience includes graduate school) with one or more of the following: remote sensing modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications. 

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as an integration leader or coordinator across technical contributors

• Strong scientific programming skills in one or more of: Matlab, IDL, Python, C++

• Demonstrated strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills with ability to clarify complex issues and ensure audience understanding

• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of time. 

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline. 

• Twelve years of experience after bachelor’s degree with remote sensing modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications. 

• Experience with the STANAG 4676 tracking standard. 

• Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools 

• Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor junior staff. 

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.