Advanced SAR and MTI Processing and Analysis Engineer - Eng Specialist/Sr Eng Specialist

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. Our staff includes subject matter experts across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency; infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials, and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. 

The Radar Processing and Analysis Department (RPAD) resides within ESD in Chantilly, VA and teams on multiple projects with its sister organization in ESD, the Radar and Signal Systems Department (RSSD) in El Segundo, CA.  We specialize in solving technical challenges covering Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image formation processing, Space and Ground Radar system modeling (antenna modeling, transmit and receive chain modeling, etc.), Moving Target Indication (MTI), maritime surveillance, electronic warfare, signal processing, scenario modeling and simulation and algorithm development for advanced SAR image products. 

We are looking for experienced Signal & Image Process Engineers and RF Payload Systems Engineers, to grow our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Join us today and become a part of a culture of innovation, growth, technical excellence, and significant contributions to our nation’s capabilities!

Work Model: This is a mostly onsite role, requiring 4 -5 days/week onsite in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing and using innovative techniques and tools to perform space payload and ground system processing analysis and design in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and mission performance. 
• Evaluating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Moving Target Indication (MTI), maritime surveillance, and electronic warfare applications.
• Creating and evolving SAR image formation processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar products. 
• Designing SAR antenna, payload, and sensor capabilities for mission success  
• Modeling target RF signatures for exploitation applications.
• Characterizing performance to support program acquisition, planning and maturation. 
• Supporting a portfolio of high-impact projects, engaging with other experts across multiple disciplines to explore innovative enterprise solutions to critical national missions. 

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline and 8 or more years of relevant experience
• Technically adept using MATLAB or Python to implement solutions to problems
• Experience with modeling and simulation of SAR sensor performance
• SAR signal and image and/or SAR MTI processing experience
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI access clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline and 12 or more years of relevant experience
• Significant experience with modeling and simulation of SAR sensor performance.
• Significant experience with SAR signal or image processing and/or SAR MTI processing
• Experience leading technical teams

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD degree in Eng