EO/IR Remote Sensing Modeling & Simulation Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD), within the Mission Payloads Division, supports advanced remote sensing system development. Its work includes designing and assessing optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays, modeling end-to-end sensing systems, simulating target scenes and atmospheres, developing data-processing and computer-vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products. The selected candidate will develop and use techniques and tools for remote sensing applications, conduct and document analytical studies, advise government and Aerospace customers on system performance, and present technical work to inform decisions and system requirements. The role includes building physics-based modeling code and collaborating in small teams to develop end-to-end system and performance modeling tools. This is a senior project leader position requiring technical team leadership and mentoring. The role is full-time and on-site at the facility in Chantilly, Virginia, or Dayton, Ohio, with approximately 10% travel. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field, such as Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 15 years of experience after completing a bachelor’s degree in remote sensing system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.
Scientific programming and version control skills; C++, Python, and git are identified as ideal skills.
Communication expertise, including technical briefings and explaining complex technical topics clearly.
Experience modeling and evaluating remote sensing systems.
Track record of leading technical teams and mentoring less experienced staff.
Experience modeling and simulating electro-optical, visible, and/or infrared remote sensing systems, including sensor performance figures of merit such as SNR, Pd, and Pfa.
Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Ability to work full-time on-site at the facility in Chantilly, Virginia, or Dayton, Ohio.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related STEM field, such as Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience with image reduction pipelines, such as bias removal and gain correction.
Experience with a variety of EO/IR imaging systems, including panchromatic/visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral, ultraviolet photography, and motion detection systems.
Experience with 3D LiDAR system modeling and performance metrics.
Experience modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects.
Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence.
Experience with sensor hardware performance and evaluation.
Experience with synthetic scene generation, such as DIRSIG.
Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop and use techniques and tools for image-chain modeling, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, EO/IR remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and data simulation.
Design, perform, document, and present studies using deterministic and probabilistic numerical analysis techniques.
Advise government and internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.
Present and promote technical work to contractors and customers to inform and influence decisions and drive system requirements.
Build physics-based modeling code and collaborate with small teams to develop end-to-end system and performance modeling tools.
Lead technical teams and mentor less experienced staff.
Travel approximately 10% of the time.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
Flexible spending accounts.
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional growth and development programs.
Education assistance programs.
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.