2026 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer

Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer

Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) at The Aerospace Corporation. This onsite role is located in Chantilly, Virginia.

The SMSD team 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, simulating target scenes and atmospheres, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in‑house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.

• Applying SMSD and COTS analysis tools and techniques for applications including image chain modeling, scene simulation, 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/or data simulation.
• Applying best practices for modeling & simulation software development to augment existing software capabilities.
• Advise internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.
• Perform, document, and present results of studies to inform and influence decisions.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must work well both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills.
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need.
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline, pursued or conferred within last 12 months.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of:
  Python, C++, Matlab, IDL, etc.
• Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving skills.
• This position requires the 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.
• Transcripts required.

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

• Bachelor’s GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others.
• Experience with any or all of the following, through coursework and/or prior internship(s): electro‑optical system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.
• Computation of sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, NESR).
• Evaluation of sensor hardware performance.
• Synthetic scene generation (with tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine).
• Modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects (with tools such as MODTRAN).
• Agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
• Active security clearance.

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) $ - $ Pay Basis:
Annual

• Operate strategically.
• Lead change.
• Engage with impact.
• Foster innovation.
• Deliver results.

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on job type: comprehensive health care…