OPIR Synthetic Scene Generation 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.

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), within the Sensing and Processing Subdivision (SPS) in MPD, is seeking an OPIR Synthetic Scene Generation Engineer to join our team of scientists and engineers engaged in developing the nation’s next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. The ISDAD team supports all aspects of advanced OPIR remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical sensor systems, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our work directly influences Government architecture and acquisition decisions as well as the design, development, and fielding of world class sensing capabilities that are crucial for national defense.

As an OPIR Synthetic Scene Generation Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist) joining the ISDAD, you will provide expertise and skills in the modeling and simulation of remote electro-optical/infrared sensing systems, and constellations of such systems, with a specific focus on developing and analyzing systems for missile warning and tracking applications.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Create and validate synthetic imagery for remote sensor system testing and evaluation

• Develop unique, efficient scene generation solutions using existing tools and work with a team to research and develop new capabilities that support sensor system evaluations under rapid acquisition timelines

• Utilize electro-optical/infrared modeling expertise to support the design and development of overhead, persistent, Earth-background remote sensors for military missile defense, intelligence, commercial and civil applications

• Leverage physics-based modeling and simulation to support the development of new remote sensing concepts including the development of technical performance requirements and the assessment of proposed designs

• Collaborate with internal Aerospace program office leads, Government personnel and across the technical community to identify and advise on modeling and simulation needs and opportunities to enhance capabilities

• Document technical findings in reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for an Engineering Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Optics, Physics, Astronomy, Imagining Science, or another related discipline

• Eight or more years of experience performing electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation, either in the workforce and/or in the pursuit of an advanced degree

• Strong analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors, especially OPIR systems, and including topics such as radiometry, radiative transfer modeling, image chain analysis, target detection, sensor performance metrics, earth-background infrared signatures, and visible and infrared backgrounds

• Demonstrated experience using a common processing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python, IDL, C/C++, Fortran) to implement modeling and simulation analysis

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal teams, Government customers, and contractor personnel

• Ability to travel domestically occasionally

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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 a Senior Engineering Specialist are:

• Twelve or more years of total experience performing electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation, either in the workforce and/or in the pursuit of an advanced degree

• Demonstrated technical or project leadership experience

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Proficiency in modeling remote sensing engagement scenarios using radiative transport solvers and scene simulation software such as MODTRAN, SSGM, ASSET, DIRSIG, PRA Toolkit, or FLITES

• Operational understanding of remote sensing, radiance transfer, and applied physics

• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or Intelligence Community Customers

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.