Space Domain Awareness Modeling & Analysis Engineer

The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. Our staff includes subject matter experts across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency; infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. 

 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.

Work Model:

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and refine physical models of space domain awareness (SDA) systems in the optical and infrared wave bands. 
• Develop physics-based modeling code to assess a system’s performance against multiple requirements. 
• Develop techniques for defining system performance requirements and advise government customers on best practices and trade considerations. 
• Develop methodology and design associated experiments or collection campaigns to validate SDA system performance. 
• Evaluate the performance impact of different sensor configuration and/or implementation strategies in both hardware and operational aspects. 
• Collaborate with and/or lead small teams of engineers and scientists in developing end-to-end system and performance modeling tools across multiple software interfaces.  
• Present your work to government and other stakeholders to aid definition and verification of system requirements and performance.  

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field including  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 with remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, and/or applications.  
• High aptitude for leadership and ability to work independently or collaboratively.  
• Strong scientific programming skills (particularly in C++ and Python) and familiarity with software version control systems (git, subversion). 
• Demonstrated strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills including experience developing and presenting technical briefings and ability to clarify complex issues and ensure audience understanding
• Experience with modeling or evaluation of remote sensing systems
• 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 in STEM field including  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 system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, and/or applications.  
• Demonstrated experience with modeling and simulation of sensor performance in SDA (optical and infrared) systems. 
• Demonstrated experience with image reduction pipelines (i.e., removal of bias, gain correction etc.)
• Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
• Experience with FORTRAN.
• Experience with evaluating sensor hardware performance. 
• 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.