Senior SAR Signal and Image Processing 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 Radar Processing and Analysis Department is based in Chantilly, VA. We specialize in SAR image formation processing, SAR system performance modeling and analysis, moving target indications (MTI) and tracking, maritime surveillance techniques, electronic protection applications, complex data processor development, and advanced processing algorithms. Many of our projects are done in collaboration with the Radar and Signal Systems Department, our MPD counterpart in El Segundo, CA. We are looking for experienced SAR Signal & Image Processing Engineers to grow our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Join us today to become part of a culture and legacy of engineering innovation, technical excellence, and ground-breaking contributions to our nation’s defense and intelligence capabilities!

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and advance signal and image processing techniques to exploit the full value of SAR complex phase history data

• Create and evolve SAR data processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar algorithms. 

• Evaluate SAR data utility for high-resolution radar imagery, MTI, maritime search and surveillance, and electronic protection applications.

• Model and analyze the performance of SAR payload concepts, designs, prototypes, and flight hardware to support the government customers’ research and technology, program planning, acquisition, and operations activities.

• Mentor early and mid-career engineers within RPAD to maintain our strong foundation of SAR processing and analysis knowledge and skills

• Serve as the integration leader and the principal technical representative to customers for a portfolio of large, multi-phase, multi-disciplinary projects.

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics or related technical discipline

• 10 or more years of relevant complex RF signal and/or image processing experience

• Strong background in advanced mathematics including Fourier transforms, differential equations, and estimation theory

• Experience with modeling and simulation of complex SAR or radar system performance.

• Proven experience as an integration leader and coordinator of technical teams

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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:

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 

• PhD from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, Imaging Sciences or related technical discipline

• Experience with SAR for MTI detection and tracking applications

• Familiarity with design and development of space qualified SAR antennas, payloads, or sensors

• Demonstrated success as the principal technical representative to a government customer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bri