Senior Scientist / Engineer: Remote Sensing of Target Motion & Tracking

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Chantilly, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. The Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) resides within ESD. 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop statistically-representative models of change detection and tracking algorithms for performance prediction of remote sensing systems designed to detect and track the movement of targets (e.g. vehicles) in challenging environments.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts from across The Aerospace Corporation to develop and use innovative algorithms and models that aid customers in understanding system capabilities and enhance national security.
• Lead small teams of engineers and scientists in developing end-to-end computer vision capabilities - from vehicle motion to scene simulation to image chain analysis to product quality metrics - across multiple software interfaces.
• Work with customers and contractors to develop and design industry standards - including tracking standards, image standards, and tracking metrics - to enhance communication and ensure mission success.
• Present and promote your work to contractors and customers to encourage adaption, influence decisions, and drive system requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related STEM discipline.
• Eight years of experience after bachelor's degree (experience includes graduate school) with one or more of the following: remote sensing modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as an integration leader or coordinator across technical contributors.
• Strong scientific programming skills in one or more of: Matlab, IDL, Python, C++.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills with ability to clarify complex issues and ensure audience understanding.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of time.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree 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, or applications.
• Experience with the STANAG 4676 tracking standard.
• Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools.
• Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor junior staff.
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

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