Electro-Optical Sensor Analyst, Space Domain Awareness

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 Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD), within the Sensor Systems Subdivision (SSS) in MPD, is seeking an electro-optical analyst with a focus on space domain awareness to join our team of scientists and engineers engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance. The ISDAD team supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical sensor systems, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our work directly influences government architecture and acquisition decisions and assists our customer counterparts with designing, acquiring, and fielding the most advanced capabilities in the world.

As an electro-optical analyst joining the Integrated Sensor Design & Analysis Department, you will continue to develop your expertise and skills in the modeling and simulation of remote sensing systems, and constellations of such systems, with a specific focus on space domain awareness. In the future, you will be able to apply this expertise to other types of electro-optical sensor systems (intelligence and surveillance, missile warning/tracking, etc.).

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA. This role is onsite due to the nature of the work, with occasional flexibility for telework.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and optimize cutting-edge physics-based models for electro-optical space domain awareness (SDA, i.e. space situational awareness - SSA) systems across the electromagnetic spectrum.

• Drive performance assessments against complex requirements, including sensor configurations and implementation strategies in both hardware and operational environments.

• Conduct advanced system-of-systems analysis to enhance mission effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.

• Partner and advise government customers on best practices and solution spaces related to electro-optical system performance and requirements

• Design methodology and associated experiments and/or collection campaigns to validate SDA system performance

• Lead and collaborate cross-functional teams in developing end-to-end system and performance modeling tools across multiple software interfaces

• Communicate technical insights and strategic recommendations to government leaders and key stakeholders to drive informed decision-making for acquisition and architecture

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a relevant technical discipline, such as: Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, Guidance Navigation & Controls, or another related discipline

• 4 or more years of post-Bachelor’s (industry or academic) experience in related fields such as: remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, computer vision, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, and/or applications of remote sensor systems

• Demonstrable skill in scientific programming: using and developing software to analyze and process scientific data for purposes such as data manipulation, algorithm development, and/or modeling and simulation

• Experience in modeling, analysis, and/or performance evaluation of electro-optical and/or infrared (EO/IR) systems

• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10% of time

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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 the Engineering Specialist include:

• 6 or more years (in total) of post-Bachelor’s (industry or academic) experience in related fields such as: remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, computer vision, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, and/or applications of remote sensor systems

• Demonstrated expertise with modeling and simulation of: sensor performance of (visible and infrared) remote sensing space systems and/or image reduction pipelines (i.e., removal of bias, gain correction, etc.) particularly in C++ and Python, and ideally for space situational/domain awareness applications.

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, Guidance Navigation & Controls, or another related discipline

• Experience with any of the following: software version control systems (git, subversion), agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence), FORTRAN, multi-sensor data fusion techniques (orbit determination, optical navigation, Kalman filtering)

• Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor junior staff.  

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences, including the preparation and delivery of technical briefings

• Proven ability to lead and collaborate within cross-functional engineering teams

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

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)

$110,400 - $193,500

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 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.