HSI & EO​/IR Remote Sensing Modeling & Simulation 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 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, and producing simulated data products for new applications.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly VA which requires 100% on-site work.

• Design, implement, and upgrade physics-based remote sensing system and sensor performance modeling codes and tools
• Develop and use innovative techniques and tools for applications including image chain modeling, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, EO/IR remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and data simulation
• Design, perform, document, and present results of studies using deterministic and probabilistic numerical analysis techniques
• Advise government and internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance
• Present and promote your work to contractors and customers to inform and influence key decisions and drive system requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• Eight years of post-bachelor's degree experience with remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications
• Scientific programming and version control skills, ideally C++, Python, and git
• Communication expertise, including technical briefings and simplifying complex technical topics
• Experience modeling and evaluating remote sensing systems
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• Twelve years of related post-grad experience
• Proven record of leadership and mentorship
• Experience modeling sensor performance of hyperspectral imaging systems and/or end-to-end processing and exploitation of hyperspectral data

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

• Advanced degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics,…