Electro-Optical 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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. The Visible and Infrared Sensor Systems Department (VISSD) resides within ESD, and our staff supports the design and development of electro-optical (EO) sensor payloads and prototypes. Our expertise includes the following: concept definition and mission driven design synthesis of electro-optical space sensors, detailed characterization and performance analysis of visible and infrared (IR) image sensors, as well as the design, assembly, integration and test (AI&T) of ground and airborne prototype sensors. This expertise combined with additional in-house (ESD) laboratories, prototyping, performance modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables VISSD to deliver innovative solutions to our civil, commercial, and national space systems customers.

Work Model:

This position is a hybrid role based in El Segundo, California.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Participate in activities involving teams of engineers supporting the development of visible and infrared sensor systems used for space surveillance, overhead persistent infrared systems, and Earth remote sensing applications for SSC, SDA, MDA, NRO and Civil Space programs.
• Provide and direct independent focal plane array (FPA) characterization activities to the benefit of visible and infrared sensor system programs.
• Participate in the development of prototype sensor hardware design and AI&T.
• Work closely with the customer to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success.

This position is available as an Electro-Optical Engineer (Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff)

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Electro-Optical Engineer - Member of Technical Staff

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or another related field.
• 2 or more years of industry related electro optical engineering experience.
• Strong hardware, laboratory, data analysis, analytical, and software skills with a demonstrated ability to complete and/or lead engineering analysis tasks.
• Experience developing engineering analysis methods and tools using a primary computer programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, IDL or another appropriate language).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with customers and with contractor personnel.
• This position requires 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.

Minimum Requirements for Electro-Optical Engineer - Senior Member of Technical Staff

• All of the above minimum requirements for electro-Optical Engineer - Member of Technical Staff
• 5 or more years of industry related elector optical engineering experience.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced (Masters or Ph.D.) degree from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, mechanical engineering or another related field.
• Experience with visible and infrared remote sensing systems and/or hardware design and development activities.
• Experience characterizing focal plane arrays (FPAs) for radiometric, thermal and electrical performance.
• Current working relationships within the space EO/IR sensor system community.

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 - Mid - Max)

$71,000 - $100,250 - $129,500