Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•$110,400 - $193,500•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. Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) support the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. The Remote Sensing Department (RSD) is seeking a Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Research Scientist- Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics) to analyze sensor systems and perform critical measurements with prototype instruments. This position supplements a team of experienced scientists who perform a range of laboratory, space-based and field sensor operations and analysis related to visible and infrared electro-optical imagers and spectrometers. The ideal candidate will have the experience and skills to contribute to the architecture, design, fabrication and analysis of new sensor systems to address a broad range of measurements in support of the detection, tracking, and characterization of celestial and resident space objects (RSOs). Of particular interest to the department are hyperspectral, hypertemporal and polarimetric phenomenology as applied to the space domain awareness (SDA), overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission areas for U.S. government customers including NASA, NOAA, the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

PhD degree in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Science, Geodesy or related discipline(s)
5 years of post-bachelor’s experience in design, modeling, simulation, and/or fabrication of optical remote sensing systems
Experience planning and conducting technical work both independently and collaboratively
Experience with scientific programming in MATLAB, C++, Python or similar software development environments
Familiarity with satellite tracking and characterization
Oral communication skills, as demonstrated by internal or external presentations such as conferences and customer outbriefs
Willing to travel occasionally to work location and/or customer sites domestically approx. 25% of the time
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
8 years of postgraduate experience in design, modeling, simulation and/or fabrication of remote sensing systems
Strong written communication skills, as demonstrated by publication record including peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings
Experience with field test data collection using large astronomical telescopes and/or mobile sensors
Demonstrated ability to conceive, propose and execute new research projects with a team of 3 or more scientists and engineers

Nice To Haves

Experience with multispectral or hyperspectral systems operating in SWIR, MWIR and/or LWIR
Experience with spectral reflectance characterization and modeling for materials relevant to resident space objects
Familiarity with military weapons systems and tactics
Active TS with SCI eligibility security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Supporting design, development, test and evaluation of SDA, OPIR and ISR sensor technology and subsystems for the United States Department of Defense and intelligence community, with emphasis on hyperspectral (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and polarimetric capabilities
Conducting specialized performance analysis and architecture studies, and reporting findings
Using and maintaining existing hyperspectral sensors and other astronomical instrumentation
Traveling to large optical observatories in Hawaii, Arizona and California to perform observations
Leading technical specialists in design, fabrication, test and maintenance tasks for prototype sensors and our on-site telescopes
Developing concepts and proposals for next-generation sensors to address government challenges in remote sensing
Presenting results and technical content to internal customers, external customers and other stakeholders from various backgrounds
Partnering with technical experts across multiple disciplines to explore the art of the possible to address hard problems for the US government

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