Electro-Optical Sensor Analyst, Space Domain Awareness - Member of Technical Staff

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 Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD) within the Sensor Systems Subdivision (SSS) of the MPD is seeking an electro-optical analyst with a focus on space domain awareness to join our team of scientists and engineers engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance. The ISDAD team supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical sensor systems, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our work directly influences government architecture and acquisition decisions and assists our customer counterparts with designing, acquiring, and fielding the most advanced capabilities in the world. ​ 

​​Work Model:​​This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA. This role is onsite due to the nature of the work, with limited flexibility for occasional telework. ​ 

​​What You’ll Be Doing​ 

• ​​Develop and optimize cutting-edge physics-based models for electro-optical space domain awareness (SDA, i.e. space situational awareness - SSA) systems across the electromagnetic spectrum. 

• ​Drive performance assessments against complex requirements, including sensor configurations and implementation strategies in both hardware and operational environments. 

• ​Conduct advanced system-of-systems analysis to enhance mission effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making. 

• ​Partner and advise government customers on best practices and solution spaces related to electro-optical system performance and requirements 

• ​Design methodology and associated experiments and/or collection campaigns to validate SDA system performance 

• ​Collaborate on cross-functional teams in developing end-to-end system and performance modeling tools across multiple software interfaces 

• ​Communicate technical insights and strategic recommendations to government leaders and key stakeholders to drive informed decision-making for acquisition and architecture 

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