Ground Processing Engineer & Performance Analyst

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

• Collaborate with subject matter experts from across The Aerospace Corporation to assist customers in understanding and improving system capabilities, enhancing national security.

• Develop innovative techniques and tools for modeling, simulation, visualization, and evaluation of mission data processing, mission management, and command and control systems.

• Design, perform, document, and present studies that inform and influence key future ground system architecting and acquisition decisions and strategies.

• Serve as a technical advisor to government and internal Aerospace customers to define key performance metrics and schemas for associated essential data exchanges.

• Proactively identify new technologies and commercially available capabilities for potential integration into ground frameworks.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• 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 a related STEM discipline

• Six years of related experience after bachelor’s degree (including graduate schooling)

• Industry experience with mission control or mission processing systems for space or airborne systems, system tasking or data processing, ground system design, modeling or performance evaluation, or software development

• Scientific programming and version control skills, ideally C++, Python, and git

• Excellence in communication, including technical briefings and simplifying complex technical topics

• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of time 

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the US government; U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements forSenior Engineering Specialist:

• Twelve total years of related experience after bachelor’s degree (including graduate schooling)

• Track record of leadership and mentorship

• Experience with cloud computing and applications

• Hands on modeling and simulation of electro-optical, visible, and/or infrared remote sensing systems

How You Can Stand Out

 It 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 discrete event modeling

• Hands on experience designing systems operating in a cloud environment

• Work with open standardized data formats, such as XML, JSON, or YAML

• Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

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
• 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 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.