2024 Electro-Optical Sensor Performance 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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

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 Electro-Optical Sensor Performance Section within the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department supports passive electro-optical remote sensing payload development and test with design and analysis. Projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. System design concepts are developed and analyzed against mission requirements. In a concurrent engineering environment, systems are evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective to determine on-orbit performance.

This is a full-time position nominally based in El Segundo, CA.

Work Model:

This position will be a hybrid work model position based in El Segundo, CA that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility, as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Generate novel remote sensing payload concepts to meet evolving customer requirements.

• Provide performance analysis of passive remote sensing electro-optical sensor systems for assessing proposed designs and developing technical performance requirements.

• Evaluate infrared sensor performance both theoretically and experimentally for long range acquisition under varied visual environments and illumination conditions.

• Leverage sensor performance analyses to inform customers of expected sensor performance.

• Design, assemble, align and test complex electro-optical sensors.

• Perform stray light analysis of complex electro-optical sensor systems.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Must work well in a team environment.

• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills.

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need.

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in optics, physics, electrical engineering or equivalent (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).

• 0-1 years of industry work experience.

• Professional or educational experience performing detailed sensor performance analyses.

• Strong computer programming skills (e.g., data analysis, scripting) in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB, Python, ENVI/IDL, or Mathematica.

• Strong laboratory skills and experience in assembling, aligning and measuring performance metrics of electro-optical sensors.

• Analytical skills in passive remote sensing electro-optical system performance evaluation including radiometry, optical design and testing, and sensor performance metrics.

• Experience in designing and evaluating telescopes using optical design software such as Code V or Zemax

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with Air Force and government customers, and with contractor personnel.

• Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%

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

• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in optics, physics, electrical engineering or equivalent (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).

• Demonstrated experience in developing telescope testbeds for characterizing sensor performance.

• Experience in performing various field tests to characterize and compare sensor performance in various infrared bands.

• Experience with opto-mechanical design for implementation and build

• Experience working with cross-disciplinary engineering teams (e.g., structural and thermal engineers)

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)

$95,200 - $165,500

Pay Basis: Annual

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.