Senior AI/ML Systems Engineer - GEOINT

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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The National Geospatial Programs (NGP) subdivision is the trusted technical and programmatic advisor to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and mission partners across the full GEOINT lifecycle. This role sits at the intersection of geospatial intelligence, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence—helping to transform how GEOINT is produced, analyzed, and delivered.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of GEOINT by integrating AI-enabled capabilities into ground architectures and analytic workflows. The selected candidate will directly support mission needs that require analyzing vast, complex geospatial datasets at speed and scale, enabling decision advantage for military, intelligence, and disaster response operations. You will contribute to solutions that move beyond “what, where, and when” to reveal “how and why,” strengthening predictive intelligence and operational outcomes across the GEOINT enterprise.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site in Springfield, Virginia or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and support the integration of AI-enabled capabilities into GEOINT ground systems, including computer vision, predictive analytics, and data fusion solutions
• Collaborate with Aerospace SMEs, NGA, DoD, and IC partners to enable end-to-end GEOINT mission workflows and accelerate intelligence production
• Work closely with government stakeholders to define mission-driven AI use cases, technical scope, and deliverables aligned with operational needs
• Identify and align technical skillsets across data science, engineering, and GEOINT analysis to support complex mission challenges
• Guide development teams in implementing scalable AI and data architectures that transform raw geospatial data into actionable intelligence
• Enable integration of multi-source GEOINT data (imagery, geospatial, and intelligence data) across enterprise systems
• Support Government planning, programming, and budgeting efforts for GEOINT and AI-enabled capabilities
• Provide independent, objective analysis of ground architectures, AI implementations, and GEOINT strategies, ensuring mission alignment and technical rigor
• Promote adoption of AI solutions that enhance analyst workflows, improve speed and accuracy, and support predictive intelligence outcomes

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Project Leader – Artificial Intelligence and Data Science/Big Data Mining

• Bachelors or advanced degrees in a STEM discipline
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, AI/analytics, or technical leadership roles
• Experience in systems engineering and integration within complex, data-intensive environments
• Demonstrated knowledge of AI/ML technologies, including computer vision, NLP, predictive analytics, and large language models
• Experience with geospatial data, imagery analysis, or GEOINT-related systems and workflows
• Understanding of data architectures and pipelines supporting large-scale analytics and intelligence production
• Ability to lead distributed, multidisciplinary teams across technical and mission domains
• Experience with cloud-based architectures and modern data platforms
• Familiarity with AI governance, data quality, and mission assurance requirements in operational environments
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in AI, data science, geospatial analytics, systems engineering, or related field
• Deep experience in GEOINT systems, imagery analysis, and geospatial data exploitation
• Experience applying AI to real-world intelligence or operational problems, including feature detection, change analysis, or predictive modeling
• Familiarity with NGA, or IC GEOINT mission frameworks and data ecosystems
• Experience designing or implementing AI-driven solutions that scale across large, complex datasets
• Proven ability to translate mission needs into actionable technical solutions and strategies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and mission stakeholders

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$171,400.00 - $257,100.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.