Electro-Optical Sensor Performance 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), is seeking an Electro-Optical 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. We are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Engineer to lead optical system design, analysis, and testing efforts for critical national security space programs.

Our projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. Design concepts, which are developed with a system focus, are analyzed against mission requirements and use cases to ensure performance meets mission needs. To determine on-orbit performance, systems are often evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective in a concurrent engineering environment.

Our work directly influences Government acquisition decisions as well as the design, development, and fielding of world class sensing capabilities that are crucial for national defense.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.What You’ll Be Doing Design, model, and analyze passive electro-optical airborne and space-based remote sensing systems using standard ray tracing tools (e.g., CodeV, Zemax). Systems include broadband visible and infrared systems, multi- and hyper-spectral imaging systems, and visible and infrared non-imaging (point source detection) systems

Evaluate infrared sensor performance both theoretically and experimentally for long range acquisition under varied visual environments and illumination conditions

Leverage sensor performance analyses to inform customers of expected sensor performance

Design, assemble, align and test complex electro-optical sensors

Perform stray light analysis of complex electro-optical sensor systems

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams (e.g., structural, thermal, and systems engineers) in a concurrent engineering environment

What You Need to be Successful – Aerospace internal title, i.e. Senior MTS Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or equivalent STEM discipline is required, with a minimum of five or more years of increasing, applicable professional experience in optical engineering

Demonstrated experience performing detailed optical system design and…