Senior 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 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 Visible and Infrared Sensor Systems Department (VISSD) resides within MPD, 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 (MPD) 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 based in El Segundo, CA and requires a minimum of three days per week in office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop software-based models of the focal plane array readout integrated circuits (ROICs) with commercially available circuit analysis software for use in device under test troubleshooting activities

• Provide and direct independent focal plane array (FPA) characterization activities to the benefit of visible and infrared sensor system programs

• 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

• 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

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or another related field

• 5 or more years of industry related electro-optical engineering or CMOS process/design experience

• Strong hardware, laboratory, data analysis, analytical, and software skills with a demonstrated ability to complete and/or lead engineering analysis tasks

• Work history developing engineering analysis methods and tools using a primary computer programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, IDL or another appropriate language)

• Knowledge related to the foundries and process nodes commonly used in the design of readout integrated circuits (ROICs) for Focal Plane Arrays

• 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

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

• All of the above minimum requirements for electro-Optical Engineer – Sr Member of Technical Staff

• 8 or more years of industry related electo-optical engineering experience

• Current working relationships within the space EO/IR sensor system community

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

• Exposure to visible and infrared remote sensing systems and/or hardwar