Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist

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 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.

  

What You’ll Be Doing 

• 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 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics):

• 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

• This position requires 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.  

  

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Space Domain Awareness Research Scientist (Research Scientist- Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics):

• 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 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• 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. 

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)

$110,400.00 - $193,500.00

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.