Senior Image Scientist - Electro Optical

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Imagery Processing and Exploitation Department (IPED) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of highly skilled, physicists, engineers and mathematicians who support a variety of United States Government space programs. The department applies its knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to advise government program office personnel and internal Aerospace customers on technical matters related to space-based remote sensing. IPED develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from cutting edge satellites and space systems.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA offering a hybrid work model that combines four regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Tackling challenging image processing problems and performing multi-source data analysis in support of the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command, and other national security community members

• Employing mathematical principles to develop and evaluate new and advanced algorithms, perform simulations, and analyses using simulated and real data

• Providing image data exploitation as it relates to collection systems, collection planning, data processing and transmission

• Analyzing and critiquing requirements for current and planned imaging systems

• Delivering insights and technical recommendations on approaches to computationally intensive problems

• Working independently and collaborating with other staff members, department management, program office and governmental personnel to solve challenging technical problems

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

• Experience with national, civil, and/or commercial imaging systems, image processing, image exploitation, or digital signal processing

• Ability to work interactively and effectively with government customers and contractor personnel

• Programming experience using Python and/or MATLAB

• Exceptional analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors

• Experience applying artificial intelligence/machine learning methods to image processing applications

• Experience leading technical studies and mentoring junior engineers

• An active Top Secret//SCI security clearance

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

• Twelve years in roles of increasing engineering/scientific responsibility

• Demonstrated experience coordinating large scale multi-disciplinary technical efforts across complex programs

• Proven technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations

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 COTS image analysis and interpretation software including RemoteView, SocetGXP, ENVI, or similar

• Knowledge of Intelligence processes (e.g., tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, dissemination)

• Familiarity with data visualization and data science principles and applications

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)

$129,000 - $249,600

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.