Sensing System Modeling and Simulation Specialist

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) resides within the Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. Our expertise in design, modeling, simulation, and analysis are augmented by sophisticated in-house laboratories and enable unique approaches to solving the hardest technical problems.

Work Model: This is a full time position offering a hybrid work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Department of Defense, especially the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on a wide variety of projects, from rapid-development prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support.

• Leveraging commercial, government sponsored, and in-house software tools to perform rigorous modeling and simulation of earth remote sensing, space object detection and tracking, absolute and relative radiometry, wavefront propagation and sensing, diffraction effects, stray light and thermal self-emission for the performance analysis and prediction of passive electro-optical sensor systems including visible and infrared radiometers, imagers, hyper- and multi-spectral imaging radiometers.

• Supporting the development of new remote sensing concepts with modeling and simulation, including the development of technical performance requirements and in the assessment of proposed designs.

• Working independently and collaborating with senior staff and department management to solve challenging technical problems. 

• Interfacing frequently with program office and government personnel.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Remote Sensing System Modeling and Simulation Specialist

• Bachelors in STEM or in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or another related STEM discipline.

• Five or more years of experience performing electro-optical system modeling and simulation

• Experience performing physics-based modeling and simulation, data processing characterization or applications

• Demonstrated experience using a common processing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python, IDL, C/C++, or Fortran) to implement solutions to problems in remote sensing

• Experience with electro-optical sensor systems

• Strong analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors, including topics such as: earth and space visible and infrared phenomenology, atmospheric radiative transfer, wavefront propagation and sensing, diffraction effects, detection theory, and sensor performance metrics.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively customers, and contractor personnel

• Willing to travel domestically approx. 5% if required

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI SSBI 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 Senior Remote Sensing Modeling and Simulation Specialist include:

• Master’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or another STEM related discipline

• 8 years of experience performing electro-optical system modeling and simulation

• Experience using common codes to calculate atmospheric transmission and apparent radiation as it relates to electro-optical radiometry (e.g. MODTRAN)

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff

• Experience in phase retrieval techniques for optical system analysis

• An active Top Secret SCI SSBI 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 - $193,500Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.