Remote Sensing Engineer: Target Motion & Tracking

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.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate with subject matter experts from across The Aerospace Corporation to develop and use innovative algorithms and models that aid customers in understanding system capabilities and enhance national security

• Work with customers and contractors to develop and design industry standards – including tracking standards, image standards, and tracking metrics – to enhance communication and ensure mission success

• Develop statistically-representative models of change detection and tracking algorithms for performance prediction of remote sensing systems designed to detect and track the movement of targets (e.g. vehicles) in challenging environments

• Lead small teams of engineers and scientists in developing end-to-end computer vision capabilities – from vehicle motion to scene simulation to image chain analysis to product quality metrics – across multiple software interfaces

• Present your work to contractors and customers to encourage adoption, influence decisions, and drive system requirements

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum 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 a related STEM discipline

• Eight years of experience after bachelor’s degree (experience includes graduate school) 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 time 

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the US government; U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist include: 

• Twelve years of related post grad experience

• Track record of leadership and mentorship

• Experience with modeling and simulation of electro-optical, visible, and/or infrared remote sensing systems including sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, Pd, Pfa)

How You Can Stand Out

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, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electri