Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. 

The Remote Sensing Department (RSD) is seeking a Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Research Scientist- Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics) to analyze sensor systems and perform critical measurements with prototype instruments.  This position supplements a team of experienced scientists who perform a range of laboratory, space-based and field sensor operations and analysis related to visible and infrared electro-optical imagers and spectrometers.  The ideal candidate will have the experience and skills to contribute to the architecture, design, fabrication and analysis of new sensor systems to address a broad range of measurements in support of the detection, tracking, and characterization of celestial and resident space objects (RSOs).  Of particular interest to the department are hyperspectral, hypertemporal and polarimetric phenomenology as applied to the space domain awareness (SDA), overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission areas for U.S. government customers including NASA, NOAA, the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.  

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour  

Work Model  

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting design, development, test and evaluation of SDA, OPIR and ISR sensor technology and subsystems for the United States Department of Defense and intelligence community, with emphasis on hyperspectral (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and polarimetric capabilities 

• Conducting specialized performance analysis and architecture studies, and reporting findings 

• Using and maintaining existing hyperspectral sensors and other astronomical instrumentation 

• Leading technical specialists in design, fabrication, test and maintenance tasks for prototype sensors and our on-site telescopes 

• Developing concepts and proposals for next-generation sensors to address government challenges in remote sensing 

• Presenting results and technical content to internal customers, external customers and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds 

• Partnering with technical experts across multiple disciplines to explore the art of the possible to address hard problems for the US government 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics):

• PhD degree from in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Science, Geodesy or related discipline(s) is required

• (5) years of post-bachelor’s experience in design, modeling, simulation, and/or fabrication of optical remote sensing systems is required

• Experience planning and conducting technical work both independently and collaboratively 

• Experience with scientific programming in MATLAB, C++, Python or similar software development environments 

• Familiarity with satellite tracking and characterization 

• Oral communication skills, as demonstrated by internal or external presentations such as conferences and customer outbriefs 

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer sites domestically approx. 20% of the time

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security 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 Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Research Scientist- Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics):

• (8) years of postgraduate experience in design, modeling, simulation and/or fabrication of remote sensing systems is required

• Strong written communication skills, as demonstrated by publication record including peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings 

• Experience with field test data collection using large astronomical telescopes and/or mobile sensors 

• Demonstrated ability to conceive, propose and execute new research projects with a team of 3 or more scientists and engineers 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Experience with multispectral or hyperspectral systems operating in SWIR, MWIR and/or LWIR 

• Experience with spectral reflectance characterization and modeling for materials relevant to resident space objects  

• Familiarity with military weapons systems and tactics ​

• Active TS with SCI eligibility security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.