2024 Visible and Infrared 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 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 Electro-Optical Sensor Performance Section within the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department supports passive visible and infrared remote sensing payload development and test with design and analysis. Projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. System design concepts are developed and analyzed against mission requirements. In a concurrent engineering environment, systems are evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective to determine on-orbit performance.

This is a full-time position nominally based in El Segundo, CA. 

Work Model: 

This position will be a hybrid work model and offers partially remote with at least 3 days on-site per week on site in El Segundo, CA.
 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Generate novel remote sensing payload concepts to meet evolving customer requirements.
•  Provide performance analysis of passive remote sensing sensor systems for assessing proposed designs and developing technical performance requirements
• 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
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with Air Force and government customers, and with contractor personnel

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering or equivalent is required 
• 0-1 years of industry work experience
• Strong computer programming skills (e.g. data analysis, scripting) in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB, Python, ENVI/IDL, or Mathematica
• Strong laboratory skills and experience in assembling, aligning and measuring performance metrics of electro-optical sensors
• Strong analytical skills in passive remote sensing electro-optical system performance evaluation including radiometry, optical design and testing, and sensor performance metrics
• Experience in designing and evaluating telescopes using optical design software such as Code V or Zemax
• Proficiency in stray light analysis software such as FRED
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Demonstrated experience in developing telescope testbeds for characterizing sensor performance
• Experience in performing various field tests to characterize and compare sensor performance in various infrared bands
• Experience with opto-mechanical design for implementation and build
• Experience working with cross-disciplinary engineering teams (e.g. structural and thermal engineers)
• Possess an active TS/SCI 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 - Mid - Max)

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

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results