Associate Director- Sensor Modeling & Simulation Deptartment

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

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. 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 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) resides within MPD. Our team includes scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines actively engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance. SMSD 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, developing innovative data processing/exploitation, and producing simulated data products for new applications. What You’ll Be Doing Collaborate closely with the Director of SMSD to lead and manage technical staff and day-to-day operations, while planning strategically for long-term success Develop a deep understanding of SMSD customer needs and anticipate future requests. Coordinate resources to address these demands effectively, guide customers from project kickoff, and proactively identify and resolve issues Support modernization efforts in modeling and simulation by identifying opportunities to incorporate current and evolving departmental tools into the broader enterprise digital engineering ecosystem Supervise a dedicated section within SMSD, handling daily management tasks, career development, performance reviews, and recommendations concerning staffing levels and hiring Provide responsive leadership to SMSD staff stationed in Chantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM; and Colorado Springs, CO. Oversee operations to ensure adherence to corporate policies and maintain staff safety and security Serve as a senior advisor in one or more areas of remote sensing system modeling and simulation, including software engineering, image chain modeling, 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 data simulation Lead and contribute to key technical projects that align with the Corporation’s strategic imperatives, initiatives, and overall goals Specific duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline
Twelve years of experience after bachelor’s degree with remote sensing modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, acquisition, or applications
High aptitude for leadership
Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, and time-management skills
Proven experience in project or team leadership and/or the ability to mentor junior staff.
Demonstrated ability to successfully motivate individuals working in team environments to achieve high performance
Ability to establish and maintain reciprocal and collaborative working relationships with diverse associates and customers
Programming experience with Matlab, IDL, Python, and/or C++
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
Willingness to travel domestically up to 20% of time
A current and active TS/SCI clearance

Nice To Haves

Masters or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline
Strong background in agile software development, familiarity with software version control systems (git, subversion), and experience working with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)
Track record leading and successfully completing engineering projects and/or teams
Proven ability to foster a harmonious environment of teamwork and develop/grow an organization by providing consistent mentoring, coaching, and training opportunities
Work in Aerospace customer-facing program offices
Experience tasking and/or managing Aerospace ETG staff

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the Director of SMSD to lead and manage technical staff and day-to-day operations, while planning strategically for long-term success
Develop a deep understanding of SMSD customer needs and anticipate future requests.
Coordinate resources to address these demands effectively, guide customers from project kickoff, and proactively identify and resolve issues
Support modernization efforts in modeling and simulation by identifying opportunities to incorporate current and evolving departmental tools into the broader enterprise digital engineering ecosystem
Supervise a dedicated section within SMSD, handling daily management tasks, career development, performance reviews, and recommendations concerning staffing levels and hiring
Provide responsive leadership to SMSD staff stationed in Chantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM; and Colorado Springs, CO.
Oversee operations to ensure adherence to corporate policies and maintain staff safety and security
Serve as a senior advisor in one or more areas of remote sensing system modeling and simulation, including software engineering, image chain modeling, 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 data simulation
Lead and contribute to key technical projects that align with the Corporation’s strategic imperatives, initiatives, and overall goals
Specific duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

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