Senior Image Scientist - Electro Optical

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 Imagery Processing and Exploitation Department (IPED) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of highly skilled, physicists, engineers and mathematicians who support a variety of United States Government space programs. The department applies its knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to advise government program office personnel and internal Aerospace customers on technical matters related to space-based remote sensing. IPED develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from cutting edge satellites and space systems.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA offering a hybrid work model that combines four regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Tackling challenging image processing problems and performing multi-source data analysis in support of the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command, and other national security community members

• Employing mathematical principles to develop and evaluate new and advanced algorithms, perform simulations, and analyses using simulated and real data

• Providing image data exploitation as it relates to collection systems, collection planning, data processing and transmission

• Analyzing and critiquing requirements for current and planned imaging systems

• Delivering insights and technical recommendations on approaches to computationally intensive problems

• Working independently and collaborating with other staff members, department management, program office and governmental personnel to solve challenging technical problems

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

• Eight years of related post grad experience

• Experience with national, civil, and/or commercial imaging systems, image processing, image exploitation, or digital signal processing

• Ability to work interactively and effectively with government customers and contractor personnel

• Programming experience using Python and/or MATLAB

• Exceptional analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors

• Experience applying artificial intelligence/machine learning methods to image processing applications

• Experience leading technical studies and mentoring junior engineers

• An active Top Secret//SCI security clearance

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

• Twelve years in roles of increasing engineering/scientific responsibility

• Demonstrated experience coordinating large scale multi-disciplinary technical efforts across complex programs

• Proven technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations

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 Remo