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.

Job Summary

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost, and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

What You'll Be Doing

• As a member of the Systems Performance, Estimation and Algorithms Department (SPEAD) you will perform algorithm development and evaluation as well as modeling, simulation, and analysis for national security space customers emphasizing Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) sensors, missile warning/missile tracking (MW/MT), space domain awareness (SDA) and space security.
• Provide project leadership in the analysis of OPIR systems for MW/MT and missile defense applications.
• Provide technical analysis, project management and team leadership in the formulation, development, and assessment of space surveillance system performance algorithms including infrared, electro-optical and hyperspectral sensors.
• Perform or lead systems engineering analysis of space surveillance systems including system-of-systems architectures, mission performance assessment, system evaluation and simulation, mission data processing, single and multi-target tracking, detection and estimation, sensor tasking and scheduling, system error analysis, and system integration.
• Lead analysis efforts for requirements satisfaction, ground and on-orbit test data reduction for payload characterization, space and ground algorithms, resilience, technology demonstrations and follow-on IR payload design developments.
• Lead the development of computer tools and simulations to support analyses of interdisciplinary support teams and performing general systems engineering and integration support directly with Space Force program offices will be required.
• Maintain good working relationships between technology development centers, System Program Offices, and contractors.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent, with twelve years of applicable experience.
• Superior project management and team leadership skills and creative problem-solving skills.
• Extensive technical background in statistics, estimation theory, batch least-squares, Kalman filtering, multi-target tracking, and sensor scheduling algorithms, data fusion, and orbital mechanics.
• Fluent in at least one of the following programming languages; C++ (preferred), Python, Java, C, Matlab, or FORTRAN.
• Experience programming in a multi-developer environment.
• Great communication skills and ability to work independently, with minimal management supervision.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, 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:

• Extensive grounding in modern software design principles and development methodologies (Agile, DevSecOps, etc.).
• Technical background in multiple aspects of OPIR phenomenology (e.g. clutter).
• Advanced algorithm development experience including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Experience supporting past and current OPIR programs-of-record including the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) and Next Gen OPIR.
• Experience working with one or more of the major government organizations in the mission area including Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the Space Development Agency (SDA)

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 diverse 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/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 and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.