SDA Electro-Optical Systems Engineer - PE/Sr PE
In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.
Responsibilities
The Situational Awareness & Data Fusion (SAnDF) department within the Special Programs Division is a group of engineers and scientists supporting the Space and Missile Systems Center, Special Programs Directorate, Space Domain Awareness Division (SMC/SPG) with the upgrade of current, and development of new, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, including ground and space-based electro-optical systems, ground radar systems, data management systems and command and control systems. This position provides program support to all aspects of space-based electro-optical systems: assessing design and performance of optical payloads, evaluating data processing algorithms and ground support systems, and reviewing integration and test documentation and activities.
Key Functions
- Provide support to all aspects of customer space programs including developing requirements, assessing end-to-end system design and mission utility, and identifying risk areas
- Identify the need for and guide in-depth technical studies and evaluations against identified risk areas, using reach back to Engineering Technology Group staff
- Guide and help perform, and report result of studies involving SDA payloads and sensors and spacecraft systems
- Advise government and internal Aerospace customers on design and performance for proposed upgrades to existing, and proposed new, space-based SDA systems
- Document and present findings to colleagues and customers
- Work closely and collaboratively with government, other FFRDCs, and SETA personnel
This position is available as an Aerospace Corporation Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer.
Qualifications
Required
- Degree from an accredited university in Remote Sensing, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, or other related discipline with at least eight years of relevant experience
- Proven ability to work independently
- Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Must possess a current interim Top Secret security clearance or higher issued by the US Government (US Citizenship required) with the ability to obtain additional security accesses
Required for Senior Project Engineer
- Degree from an accredited university in Remote Sensing, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, or other related discipline with at least twelve years of electro-optical systems experience in at least one of the following: instrument design, mission design, modeling, simulation, integration & test, data processing, or calibration
- Self-starter with proven ability to work independently
- Experience leading matrixed technical teams
- Experience with systems requirements synthesis, traceability, and review
- Demonstrated ability to identify and assess risk areas and to work closely with engineering and program office peers, customers, and contractor personnel to resolve issues quickly
- Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Must possess a current interim Top Secret security clearance or higher issued by the US Government (US Citizenship required) with the ability to obtain additional security accesses
Preferred
- Advanced degree from an accredited university in Remote Sensing, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, or other related discipline
- Experience with electro-optical systems for space-based applications that includes experience in system development, acquisition, or operations
- Understanding of astrodynamics fundamentals and experience with related analysis tools such as STK (Systems [previously Satellite] Took Kit) or SOAP (Aerospace’s Satellite Orbit Analysis Program)
- Knowledge of the SDA mission area
- Understanding of current DoD acquisition practices
- Experience with relevant space-based sensors
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.