Associate Director- Sensor Modeling & Simulation Department

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/exploitation, and producing simulated data products for new applications.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate closely with the Director of SMSD to lead and manage technical staff and day-to-day operations, while planning strategically for long-term success

• Develop a deep understanding of SMSD customer needs and anticipate future requests. Coordinate resources to address these demands effectively, guide customers from project kickoff, and proactively identify and resolve issues

• Support modernization efforts in modeling and simulation by identifying opportunities to incorporate current and evolving departmental tools into the broader enterprise digital engineering ecosystem

• Supervise a dedicated section within SMSD, handling daily management tasks, career development, performance reviews, and recommendations concerning staffing levels and hiring

• Provide responsive leadership to SMSD staff stationed in Chantilly, VA;
  Albuquerque, NM; and Colorado Springs, CO. Oversee operations to ensure adherence to corporate policies and maintain staff safety and security

• Serve as a senior advisor in one or more areas of remote sensing system modeling and simulation, including software engineering, image chain modeling, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, Lidar and 3D remote sensing, radio frequency remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and data simulation

• Lead and contribute to key technical projects that align with the Corporation’s strategic imperatives, initiatives, and overall goals

• Specific duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline

• Twelve years of experience after bachelor’s degree with remote sensing modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, acquisition, or applications

• High aptitude for leadership

• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, and time-management skills

• Proven experience in project or team leadership and/or the ability to mentor junior staff.…