Advanced Radar Signal and Image Process 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 Radar Processing and Analysis Department (RPAD) resides within MPD in Chantilly, VA, and teams on multiple projects with its sister organization in MPD, the Radar and Signal Systems Department (RSSD) in El Segundo, CA.  We specialize in solving technical challenges covering Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image formation processing, space and ground radar system modeling (antenna modeling, transmit and receive chain modeling, etc.), Moving Target Indication (MTI) detection, maritime surveillance, electronic protection, advanced signal processing, scenario modeling and simulation and algorithm development for advanced SAR image products. 

We are looking for experienced SAR Signal & Image Process Engineers to grow our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Join us today and become a part of a culture of innovation, growth, technical excellence, and significant contributions to our nation’s capabilities!

Work Model: This is a mostly onsite role, requiring 4 days/week onsite in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Create and evolve SAR image formation processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar products 

• Evaluate SAR, MTI, maritime surveillance, and electronic warfare applications

• Model and evaluate the performance of radar imaging, detection and tracking applications for ground and space-based radar systems to support program planning, acquisition, and operations

• Create synthetic SAR target images and backgrounds to evaluate exploitation applications

• Advance a portfolio of high-impact projects, partnering with other experts across multiple disciplines to explore the art of the possible for government solutions

• Serve as the integration leader and the principal technical representative to customer for large, multi-phase, multi-disciplinary projects

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements for include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or related technical discipline and 6 or more years of relevant radar signal and/or image processing experience

• Strong background in advanced mathematics including Fourier transforms, differential equations, and estimation theory

• Substantial experience using MATLAB and/or Python to implement solutions to problems

• Significant experience with signal and/or image processing for radar or SAR

• Experience with modeling and simulation of SAR sensor hardware performance.

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret security clearance, SCI access and (CI) polygraph, 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 Senior Engineering Specialist include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or related technical discipline and 10+ years of relevant radar signal and/or image processing experience

• Familiarity with SAR antenna, payload, and/or sensor hardware

• Experience as an integration leader or coordinator of technical teams

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advance degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or related technical discipline 

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 

• Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor staff

• Experience as the principal technical representative to customer, coordinating efforts on several smaller projects in concurrent operations or on portions of larger, multi-phase, multi-disciplinary projects, particularly for the IC

• Significant experience with SAR signal and/or image processing

• Experience with SAR MTI processing for detection and tracking applications

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.