Senior MW/MT/MD Sensor Modeling and Simulation Engineer

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 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.

The Systems Performance, Estimation, and Algorithms Department (SPEAD) performs algorithm development and evaluation as well as concept development, systems engineering and architecture analysis support for national security space customers.

The selected candidate will provide analytical support, software development, systems engineering and architecting, and modeling and simulation support for government customers in missile warning / missile tracking / missile defense (MW / MT / MD) mission area to include Probability of Warning.

The selected candidate will interact directly with government customers as well as Aerospace program office personnel in the El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, Huntsville, AL, and Colorado Springs, CO, areas and collaborate closely with Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and program office personnel.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical expertise, mentoring and project leadership in the modeling and performance analysis of MW / MT / MD sensors and systems and their broader system-of-systems architectures
• Conduct a range of analysis using a framework of modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities including in-house, custom and commercially available / government provided modeling tools
• Analyze electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), radar and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms
• Model Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) signal processing algorithms both on-board and ground-based, and analyze performance
• Assess ballistic and non-ballistic missiles, advanced threats (dim or highly maneuverable targets), model detection, tracking and track custody behaviors
• Sensor constellation performance analysis; evaluate and verify contractor performance analysis
• Probability of Warning analysis for various sensor concepts

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements :

• Degree in mathematics, electrical or aerospace engineering, physics, computer science or equivalent, or a Bachelor's degree with twelve (12) years of applicable experience required
• 10 years experience in systems engineering analysis of EO / IR space or airborne surveillance systems including system-of-systems architectures, system and sensor level evaluation and simulation, mission performance assessment with emphasis on single and multi-target tracking, detection and estimation, sensor tasking and scheduling, system error analysis, and system integration
• Developed computer tools, simulations, and / or algorithms to support analyses of interdisciplinary support teams and performing general and specific systems engineering trades assessments
• Background in statistics, estimation, controls, signal processing or a related field with experience developing and implementing EO / IR missile detection, missile warning, missile tracking, and probability of warning algorithms
• Fluent in at least one the following programming languages; MATLAB, C++, Python, C, Java.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in analysis and technical leadership within the MW / MT / MD mission
• Good interpersonal communication and briefing skills along with the ability to work independently and interact effectively with high-level government, Aerospace, and contractor personnel
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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 :

• Advanced technical degree in mathematics, electrical or aerospace engineering, physics, computer science or equivalent
• Experience in the development, analysis and evaluation of mission processing algorithms, to include target detection, clutter suppression, closely spaced object resolution, tactical parameter estimation (TPE), and / or multi-target tracking
• Experience with EO / IR system design trade studies, technology insertion, requirements definition to support architecture evolution of tracking systems
• Experience in researching, developing and applying advanced and innovative techniques for algorithm development
• Provided EO / IR algorithm and / or system functionality assessments
• A current and active TS / SCI clearance

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)

$123,000 - $200,900Pay 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.