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 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) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) conducts, directs and integrates model-based analyses, empowering teams and staff to deliver differentiated and context-informed insights. The department is comprised of 20 engineers responsible for modeling and simulation-based performance analysis of architecture designed for missile defense, intelligence/reconnaissance/surveillance (ISR) and space domain awareness missions. The department provides development and analysis expertise on tracking objects of interest primarily located in space, air, maritime and ground. As a Senior Member of Technical Staff or Engineering Specialist in the Tracking Architecture Performance Department, you will participate in modeling, simulation and analysis projects in collaboration with the department staff and other engineering departments across the corporation to ensure mission success.   

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Modeling & Analysis Leadership 

• Independently lead modeling and analysis studies for complex system-of-systems architectures with emphasis on tracking performance optimization 

• Evaluate multi-domain architectures incorporating space, air, maritime, and ground-based components and diverse sensor systems including radar, EO/IR, and Lidar technologies 

• Analyze tracking scenarios across all domains: space objects, airborne targets, maritime vessels, and ground-based entities 

• Perform trade-space analyses to balance system performance requirements and identify architectural optimizations for enhanced tracking capabilities 

• Technical & Project Leadership 

• Serve as technical lead and primary customer liaison for projects, establishing technical direction and strategic vision 

• Drive continuous improvement of modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities across the organization 

• Provide hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to team members on day-to-day activities 

• Develop and execute training programs for new team members to build organizational capability and technical bench strength 

• Modeling & Simulation Tool Improvements 

• Design and implement comprehensive analysis strategies utilizing in-house, custom-developed, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), and government-furnished modeling and simulation tools 

• Develop innovative performance metrics and create advanced data visualizations to communicate complex analytical results 

• Design, develop, and implement tracking algorithms, multi-sensor data fusion algorithms, and novel methodologies to enhance sensor architecture performance 

• Create cutting-edge simulation approaches, computational tools, and models to support emerging concept exploration and technology assessment 

• Management support 

• Collaborate with management to align project objectives, resource allocation, and strategic priorities 

• Partner with management to identify capability gaps, develop growth strategies, and support business development initiatives 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff - Modeling & Simulation and Signal & Image Process Engineering: 

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related discipline. 

• A minimum of 4+ years of applicable professional experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex modeling and analysis tasks. 

• Knowledge of tracking algorithms, multi-target tracking, and tracking performance assessment 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, as required. 

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI 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 Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Signal & Image Process Engineering include: 

• A minimum of 6+ 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. 

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

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

• Current, active TS/SCI or SAP clearance. 

• Leadership experience in a customer-facing organization. 

• Knowledge of government MW/MT, space domain awareness and/or ISR mission architectures  

• Experience with end-to-end modeling, simulation, and analysis of integrated sensor architectures across operational domains (space, air, maritime or ground), with experience in radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), or Lidar system performance assessment 

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

• 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)

$117,000.00 - $216,700.00Pay 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.