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. Our staff includes subject matter experts across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency; infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. 

The Integrated Sensor Design & Analysis Department (ISDAD) is searching for an OPIR Modeling and Simulation Engineer. Our staff support passive electro-optical remote sensing payload development and test with design, modeling and simulation, and analysis at both the payload and constellation level. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ISDAD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. 

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Department of Defense, especially the Air Force Space and Missile Center (SMC) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on a wide variety of projects, from rapid-development prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support.
• Providing electro-optical expertise in the areas of Earth remote sensing and overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) missile warning/tracking.
• Working independently and collaborating with senior staff and department management to solve challenging technical problems. 
• Support the development of new remote sensing concepts with physics-based modeling and simulation, including the development of technical performance requirements and in the assessment of proposed designs.
• Interfacing frequently with program office and government personnel.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for OPIR Modeling and Simulation Engineer :

• Bachelors degree in STEM and/or in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or another related discipline is required.
• 5+ years of experience performing electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation, either in the workforce and/or in the pursuit of an advanced degree.
• Demonstrated experience using a common processing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python, IDL, C/C++, Fortran) to implement solutions to problems in remote sensing. 
• Strong analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors.
• Experience with  OPIR systems and topics  such as: radiometry, radiative transfer modeling, target detection, sensor performance metrics, earth-background infrared signatures, and visible and infrared backgrounds.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with a government customers, and with contractor personnel.

• Must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information TS/SCI SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the OPIR Modeling and Simulation Engineer Specialist include :

• A total of 8+ years of experience performing electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation, either in the workforce and/or in the pursuit of an advanced degree.
• Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff.
• Familiarity with the UNIX/LINUX OS environment.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience with modern, distributed modeling & simulation frameworks.
• Direct and relevant experience with overhead persistent infrared systems.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary modeling & simulation including: targets, orbits and trajectories, and electro-optical sensor systems.

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 - $193,500

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 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 Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.