2026 Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer

About this role

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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer for the Mission Payloads Division (MPD) at our office in El Segundo, CA.

At MPD, we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Job Summary Selected candidate will join the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD), within the Sensing and Processing Subdivision (SPS) in MPD,. ISDAD consists of a team of scientists and engineers engaged in developing the nation’s next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. The ISDAD team supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical sensor systems, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our work directly influences Government architecture and acquisition decisions as well as the design, acquisition, and fielding of world class sensing capabilities that are crucial for defending our nation.

As an Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer joining ISDAD, you will provide expertise and skills in the modeling and simulation of remote sensing systems, and constellations of such systems, with a specific focus on overhead, persistent, infrared missile warning and tracking systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo

What You’ll Be Doing • Assist in providing electro-optical modeling expertise for analysis in the areas of Overhead Persistent Infrared Earth background remote sensing for military missile defense, intelligence, commercial and civil applications

• Leverage physics-based modeling and simulation to support the development of new remote sensing concepts including the development of technical performance requirements and the assessment of proposed designs

• Create and validate synthetic imagery for remote sensor system testing and evaluation

• Develop unique, efficient scene generation solutions using existing tools and work with a team to develop new capabilities that support sensor system evaluations under rapid acquisition timelines

• Collaborate with internal Aerospace program office leads, Government personnel and across the technical community to identify and advise on modeling and simulation needs and opportunities to enhance capabilities

• Document technical findings in reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications

What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or another related STEM discipline from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months. 

• 0-1 year of industry work experience  

• Academic and/or project research related experience and ability to perform electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation

• Demonstrated experience using a common processing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python, IDL, C/C++, Fortran) to implement modeling and simulation analysis

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal teams, Government customers, and contractor personnel

• Ability to travel domestically occasionally

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out   It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: • Advanced degree

• General understanding and/or working knowledge of one or more of the following: • Performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors, especially OPIR systems

• Radiometry, radiative transfer modeling, image chain analysis, target detection, sensor performance metrics, earth-background infrared signatures, and visible and infrared backgrounds.

• Modeling remote sensing engagement scenarios using radiative transport solvers and scene simulation software such as MODTRAN, SSGM, ASSET, DIRSIG, PRA toolkit, or FLITES

• Operational understanding of remote sensing, radiance transfer, and applied physics

• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

• Demonstrated technical or project leadership experience

• Ability to interact with and support Department of Defense (DoD) or Intelligence Community Customers

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, expe

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