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 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) resides within MPD. 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- Design, implement, and upgrade physics-based remote sensing system and sensor performance modeling codes and tools
- Develop and use innovative techniques and tools for applications including image chain modeling, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, EO/IR remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and data simulation
- Design, perform, document, and present results of studies using deterministic and probabilistic numerical analysis techniques
- Advise government and internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance
- Present and promote your work to contractors and customers to inform and influence key decisions and drive system requirements
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for
Engineering Specialist:- Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
- Eight years of post-bachelor's degree experience with remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, 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 the 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
- Proven record of leadership and mentorship
- Experience modeling sensor performance of hyperspectral imaging systems and/or end-to-end processing and exploitation of hyperspectral data
How You Can Stand OutIt 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, or a related STEM discipline
- Experience with modeling and simulation of electro-optical, visible, and/or infrared remote sensing systems including sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, Pd, Pfa)
- Track record with a variety of EO/IR imaging systems, such as panchromatic/visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral, ultraviolet photography, motion detection systems, 3D
- Modeling of atmospheric radiative transfer effects.
- Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)
- Sensor hardware performance and evaluation
- Skill with synthetic scene generation (e.g., DIRSIG)
- Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Leadership CompetenciesOur 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
- A 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 CommitmentThe 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
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