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 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. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Solve challenging problems involving multi-sensor imagery data analysis, exploitation, and integration including for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas executed by the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command; Missile Defense Agency; Space Development Agency; and intelligence community 

• Employ mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques, optimizing calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking  

• Leveraging end-to-end data exploitation and analytics knowledge to validate novel image and signal processing algorithms 

• Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and data analytics to provide independent verification and validation of new image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies to optimize performance of space payloads 

• Craft innovative, multi phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers 

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 relevant experience including 2 years supporting Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), or Air Force space programs

• Experience developing detection, background suppression, and tracking algorithms and their application to imagery data 

• Adept at conducting modeling and simulation, test data generation, algorithm performance trade studies, and reporting findings to stakeholders 

• Extensive numerical programming experience using Python and/or Matlab and/or C++ 

• An active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 

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

• Twelve years in roles of increasing engineering/scientific responsibility including 6 years supporting Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), or Air Force space programs

• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical efforts across complex defense or intelligence remote sensing 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: 

• Demonstrated expertise in linear algebra and spectral theory, evidenced by one or more of the following: 

  • Publications, patents, or technical reports using spectral methods  

  • Production-grade implementation of algorithms relying on eigenvalue analysis, SVD, and related techniques 

• Advanced degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering 

• Published work in scientific journals or technical conferences on remote sensing or algorithm development and analysis 

• Experience applying artificial intelligence/computer vision methods to detection and tracking applications

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 determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.