Radar Payload Performance Engineer (MTS/SMTS)

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 Radar Processing and Analysis Department (RPAD) resides within ESD and is in Chantilly, VA and teams on multiple projects with its sister organization in ESD, the Radar and Signal Systems Department (RSSD) in El Segundo, CA.  We specialize in solving technical challenges covering Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image formation processing, Space and Ground Radar system modeling (antenna modeling, transmit and receive chain modeling, etc.), Moving Target Indication (MTI), maritime surveillance, electronic warfare, signal processing, and algorithm development for advanced SAR image products. 

We are looking for Signal & Image Process Engineers and RF Payload Systems Engineers, to grow our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Join us today and become a part of a culture of innovation, growth, technical excellence, and significant contributions to our nation’s capabilities!

Work Model: This is a mostly onsite role, requiring 4-5 days/week onsite in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Engineer innovative and sophisticated Radar and SAR solutions for the latest space applications
• Architect SAR antenna, payload, and sensor performance for mission success
• Characterize performance to support program acquisition, planning and maturation.
• Partner with technical experts to explore the art of the possible for government solutions. 
• Identify issues, prioritizes tasks, facilitates communication, and acts as spokesperson for the working group to management/customer.
• Support a portfolio of high-impact projects, engaging with other experts across multiple disciplines to explore innovative enterprise solutions to critical national missions. 

What You Need to be Successful – Member of Technical Staff

Minimum requirements  include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline and 2 or more years of relevant experience
• Experience using MATLAB or Python to implement solutions to problems
• Familiarity with Radar antenna and/or payload hardware designs
• Knowledge of modeling and simulation of radar sensor performance
• Desire to support major program acquisition and operations for the IC

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

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff  include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline and 5 or more years of relevant experience
• Experience designing Radar antenna and payload hardware.
• Work with modeling and simulation of SAR sensor hardware performance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or related technical discipline  
• Experience with signal and/or image processing for SAR, radar, or SIGINT
• Space-based systems experience
• Work supporting major program acquisition and/or operations for the IC or DoD
• 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.