Tracking Architecture Performance Engineer/Senior Tracking Architecture Performance Engineer

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.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Tracking Architecture Performance Department (TAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) conducts model-based analyses to deliver differentiated, context-informed insights about tracking performance across various architecture scenarios in both nominal and contested operating environments. The department specializes in analyzing missile defense, space domain awareness, and surveillance architectures, serving as the focal point for developing sophisticated assessment tools and providing expert analysis to support critical mission objectives.

TAPD’s key modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) focus areas include comprehensive architecture evaluations, what-if analyses to explore alternative configurations, and algorithm development, tuning, and optimization for multi-sensor tracking systems. Our work enables decision-makers to understand system capabilities, identify performance gaps, and optimize architectural designs. We support a diverse portfolio of customers and programs, and we're seeking curious, innovative teammates to help tackle our customers' most challenging problems.

Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist in the Tracking Architecture Performance Department is a technical role where you will collaborate with the department staff and other engineering departments to ensure mission success.  

Work Model

This full-time position requires 100% onsite work in El Segundo CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Huntsville, AL or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Independently lead and perform hands-on modeling, simulation, and analysis studies for complex system-of-systems architectures, with an emphasis on tracking performance assessment and optimization

• Evaluate multi-domain tracking architectures and scenarios incorporating space, air, maritime, and ground-based components

• Technical areas include multi-INT sensor systems, including but not limited to radar, EO/IR, SIGINT, and GEOINT technologies.

• Design, develop, and implement tracking algorithms, multi-sensor data fusion algorithms, and tools to enhance the tracking performance of sensors, sensing systems, and system-of-systems architectures, both collaboratively and as an independent technical lead

• Serve as a technical expert and customer liaison for projects. Coordinate complex technical tasks.

• Develop and present technically accurate designs, presentations and reports. Ensure the quality of deliverables by providing oversight and reviews.

• Expert level programming skills in languages such as C, C++, Python, FORTRAN

• Familiarity with tools such as Bitbucket, GitHub, JIRA, Confluence

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Signal & Image Process Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related discipline.

• A minimum of 6 years of applicable professional experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex modeling and analysis tasks.

• Demonstrated strength and experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis of space systems.

• This position requires the 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.

• Willingness to occasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 5-10% (as required).

• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence/Machine learning technologies

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Signal & Image Process Engineering include:

• A minimum of 10 years of applicable professional experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex modeling and analysis tasks.

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Master’s or PhD degree in related STEM discipline.

• Current, active Secret, TS/SCI or SAP clearance.

• Leadership experience in a customer-facing organization.

• Knowledge of government space mission architecture and mission-effects chains involving multi-target tracking architectures.

• Demonstrated strength in architecture and sensor-level simulations and evaluation, mission performance assessments with emphasis in multi-target tracking, detection, and estimation.

• Experience collaborating in major MS&A initiatives across other FFRDCs, government entities, UARCs, SETAs and/or industry.

• Financial and business acumen through program / business unit leadership.

• The ability to communicate effectively with management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues is essential.

• Experience leading technical teams, and mentoring junior staff    

• Experience in identifying, prioritizing, and resolving technical issues. 

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)

$144,500.00 - $264,600.00Pay 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.