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 producing simulated data products for new applications.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA which requires 100% on-site work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Create and improve physical models of space domain awareness (SDA) optical systems in visible and infrared regions

• Build physics-based modeling code to evaluate system performance against multiple requirements

• Craft methods for system performance requirements and deliver advice to customers on best practices and trade considerations

• Develop methodologies and design experiments or collection campaigns to validate SDA system performance

• Assess performance impact of various sensor configurations and implementation strategies on both hardware and operational aspects

• Collaborate with small teams in developing end-to-end system and performance modeling tools

• Present work to government and other stakeholders to drive to definition and verification of system requirements and performance

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering

• Eight years of related post grad experience with remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology and/or applications

• Scientific programming and version control skills, ideally C++, Python, and git

• Communication expertise, including technical briefings and simplifying complex technical topics

• Experience modeling and evaluating 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

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist include: 

• Twelve years of related post grad experience

• Track record of leadership and mentorship

• Modeling and simulation of sensor performance in optical SDA systems

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering

• Experience with image reduction pipelines (i.e., removal of bias, gain correction etc.)

• Agile software development and Atlassian tools

• FORTRAN development skills

• Sensor hardware performance and evaluation experience

• 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.