2026 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer for the Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD), a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. This is an onsite opportunity in Chantilly, Virginia. The SMSD team supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, simulating target scenes and atmospheres, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. Work Model This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.

Requirements

Master's or Ph.D. degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline pursuing or conferred within last 12 months.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of: Python, C++, Matlab, IDL, etc.
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts required.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Must work well both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills.
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need.
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others.
Experience with any or all of the following, through coursework and/or prior internship(s).
Electro-optical system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.
Computation of sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, NESR).
Evaluation of sensor hardware performance.
Synthetic scene generation (with tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine).
Modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects (with tools such as MODTRAN).
Agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Applying SMSD and COTS analysis tools and techniques for applications including image chain modeling, scene simulation, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, radio frequency remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and/or data simulation.
Applying best practices for modeling & simulation software development to augment existing software capabilities.
Advising internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.
Performing, documenting, and presenting results of studies to inform and influence decisions.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
Training and mentorship will be provided.

Benefits

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