RF Signal and Image Processing, Senior Engineering 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 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 RPAD team is based in Chantilly and collaborates on multiple projects with the Radar and Signal Systems Department (RSSD), their MPD counterpart in El Segundo, CA.  They 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, processing algorithm development, and advanced SAR image products. 

We are looking for experienced SAR Signal & Image Process 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!

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Create and evolve SAR image formation processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar products. 

• Evaluate SAR, MTI, maritime surveillance, and electronic warfare applications.

• Model and analyze the performance of radar imaging, detection and tracking applications for ground and space-based radar systems to support program planning, acquisition, and operations.

• Create synthetic complex phase history data for targets and backgrounds to evaluate exploitation applications.

• Advance a portfolio of high-impact projects, partnering with other experts across multiple disciplines to explore the art of the possible for government solutions.

• Serve as the integration leader and the principal technical representative to customers for 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, Imaging Sciences or related technical discipline

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

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

• Experience with modeling and simulation of space-based SAR, radar, or RF 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:

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

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 

• Experience as the principal technical representative to a government customer

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

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 dete