OPIR/Remote Sensing Algorithm Lead

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 the Mission Payloads Division (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!

The Imagery Processing and Exploitation Department (IPED) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of highly skilled physicists, engineers and mathematicians who support a variety of United States Government space programs. The department applies its knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to advise government and internal Aerospace customers on technical matters related to space-based remote sensing. IPED develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from cutting edge satellites and space systems.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

- Lead teams of junior and senior staff to solve challenging problems involving multi-sensor data analysis, exploitation, and integration including for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas executed by the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command; Missile Defense Agency; Space Development Agency; and intelligence community

- Coordinate concurrent efforts across several smaller projects, or across portions of a larger multi-phase remote sensing project, ensuring technical consistency and on-time delivery

- Guide the team’s application of mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques, optimizing calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking
- Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and data analytics to provide independent verification and validation of new image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies to optimize performance of space payloads
- Deliver innovative, multi-phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers

- Identify issues, prioritize tasks, act as spokesperson for the working group to Aerospace management and senior government customers, and serve as senior mentor providing technical guidance and development insight

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Project Leader

Minimum Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering
- Sixteen years in roles of increasing engineering/scientific and project leadership responsibility, including at least 8 years directly supporting overhead persistent infrared or national space-based remote sensing programs for the Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, or the Air Force
- An active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Demonstrated experience leading and integrating multi-disciplinary technical efforts across complex defense or intelligence remote sensing programs, including identifying issues, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating concurrent project activities
- Demonstrated experience serving as a principal technical representative or spokesperson to government customers and senior management
- Extensive experience mentoring and developing junior and mid-career staff in detection or tracking algorithms and their application to imagery data
- Adept at conducting modeling and simulation, test data generation, algorithm performance trade studies, and reporting findings to stakeholders
- Extensive numerical programming experience using Python and/or Matlab and/or C++
- Proven technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations

How You Can Stand Out

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

- Experience scoping task requirements and monitoring budgets, schedules, and staffing to accomplish them
- Experience supporting new business capture or technical planning efforts
- Experienced at applying artificial intelligence/computer vision methods to detection and tracking applications
- Demonstrated ability to teach complex technical topics
- Demonstrated expertise in linear algebra and spectral theory, evidenced by one or more of the following:

- Publications, patents, or technical reports using spectral methods
- Production-grade implementation of algorithms relying on eigenvalue analysis, SVD, and related techniques

- Advanced degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering
- Experience writing sensor scheduling algorithms
- Published work in scientific journals or technical conferences on remote sensing or algorithm development and analysis

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)
$171,400.00 - $257,100.00

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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

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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

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Flexible spending accounts

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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

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Relocation assistance

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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

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Education assistance programs

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An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect