SAR Signal and Image Processing Engineer

Aerospace Corporation

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.

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, guiding our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.

The department is based in Chantilly, VA and specializes in SAR image formation processing, SAR system performance modeling and analysis, moving target detection and tracking, maritime surveillance techniques, electronic warfare applications, complex data processor development, and advanced processing algorithms.

• Develop and advance signal and image processing techniques to exploit the full value of SAR complex phase history data
• Create and evolve SAR data processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar algorithms
• Evaluate SAR data utility for high-resolution radar imagery, MTI, maritime search and surveillance, and electronic protection applications
• Model and analyze the performance of SAR payload concepts, designs, prototypes, and flight hardware to support the government customers’ research and technology, program planning, acquisition, and operations activities
• Lead technical teams of early and mid‑career engineers to accomplish complex engineering tasks
• Serve as a technical representative to customers for one or more large, multi‑phase projects

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics or related technical discipline and 6 or more years of relevant experience
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics or related technical discipline and 8 or more years of relevant experience
• Strong background in advanced mathematics including Fourier transforms, differential equations, and estimation theory
• Experience with modeling and simulation of complex SAR or radar system performance
• Proven experience as an integration leader and coordinator of technical teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship required

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
• PhD from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, Imaging Sciences or related technical discipline
• Experience with SAR for MTI detection and tracking applications
• Familiarity with design and development of space‑qualified SAR antennas, payloads, or sensors
• Demonstrated success as a technical representative to a government customer

The grade‑based pay range for this job is $ – $ per annum. Salary determinations consider education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) plan with company match up to 12%
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs
• Education assistance programs
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you are a person with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at  or by email lbox.