OPIR/Remote Sensing Algorithm Lead
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Imagery Processing and Exploitation Department supports U.S. Government space programs by applying knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to space-based remote sensing. The department develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from satellites and space systems. The OPIR/Remote Sensing Algorithm Lead will lead multidisciplinary teams working on multi-sensor data analysis, exploitation, and integration, including overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas. The role coordinates concurrent project efforts, guides the selection and application of processing techniques, and applies end-to-end data exploitation expertise to verify and validate algorithms and inform payload performance trade studies. The lead also delivers technical solutions and reports to senior government customers, represents working groups to management and customers, and mentors staff. The selected candidate is required to work full time on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, or Optical or Electrical Engineering.
- Sixteen years of experience in roles of increasing engineering/scientific and project leadership responsibility, including at least eight years directly supporting OPIR or national space-based remote sensing programs for the Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, or Air Force.
- Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
- Demonstrated experience leading and integrating multidisciplinary technical efforts across complex defense or intelligence remote sensing programs, including identifying issues, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating concurrent project activities.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a principal technical representative or spokesperson to government customers and senior management.
- Extensive experience mentoring and developing junior and mid-career staff in detection or tracking algorithms and their application to imagery data.
- Ability to conduct modeling and simulation, generate test data, perform algorithm performance trade studies, and report findings to stakeholders.
- Extensive numerical programming experience using Python, Matlab, and/or C++.
- Technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience scoping task requirements and monitoring budgets, schedules, and staffing.
- Experience supporting new business capture or technical planning efforts.
- Experience applying artificial intelligence or computer vision methods to detection and tracking applications.
- Demonstrated ability to teach complex technical topics.
- Expertise in linear algebra and spectral theory, demonstrated through publications, patents, technical reports using spectral methods, or 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, or Optical or Electrical Engineering.
- Experience writing sensor scheduling algorithms.
- Published work in scientific journals or technical conferences on remote sensing or algorithm development and analysis.
Responsibilities
- Lead junior and senior staff in solving problems involving multi-sensor data analysis, exploitation, and integration, including OPIR mission areas.
- Coordinate concurrent efforts across multiple smaller projects or portions of larger, multi-phase remote sensing projects, ensuring technical consistency and on-time delivery.
- Guide the application of mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques for calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking.
- Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and analytics to independently verify and validate image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies that optimize space-payload performance.
- Deliver multi-phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers.
- Identify issues, prioritize tasks, and act as spokesperson for the working group to Aerospace management and senior government customers.
- Mentor staff and provide technical guidance and development insight.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
