Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist

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.

Job Summary 

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. 

The Remote Sensing Department (RSD) is seeking a Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Research Scientist- Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics) to analyze sensor systems and perform critical measurements with prototype instruments.  This position supplements a team of experienced scientists who perform a range of laboratory, space-based and field sensor operations and analysis related to visible and infrared electro-optical imagers and spectrometers.  The ideal candidate will have the experience and skills to contribute to the architecture, design, fabrication and analysis of new sensor systems to address a broad range of measurements in support of the detection, tracking, and characterization of celestial and resident space objects (RSOs).  Of particular interest to the department are hyperspectral, hypertemporal and polarimetric phenomenology as applied to the space domain awareness (SDA), overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission areas for U.S. government customers including NASA, NOAA, the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.  

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour  

Work Model  

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting design, development, test and evaluation of SDA, OPIR and ISR sensor technology and subsystems for the United States Department of Defense and intelligence community, with emphasis on hyperspectral (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and polarimetric capabilities 

• Conducting specialized performance analysis and architecture studies, and reporting findings 

• Using and maintaining existing hyperspectral sensors and other astronomical instrumentation 

• Leading technical specialists in design, fabrication, test and maintenance tasks for prototype sensors and our on-site telescopes 

• Developing concepts and proposals for next-generation sensors to address government challenges in remote sensing 

• Presenting results and technical content to internal customers, external customers and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds 

• Partnering with technical experts across multiple disciplines to explore the art of the possible to address hard problems for the US government 

What You Need to be Successful 

Min