Research Scientist - Astronomical Networks and Systems

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 Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL's impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL's exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.
The Remote Sensing Department (RSD) is seeking an experienced developer of scientific software and optical telescope systems. This position supplements a team of experienced scientists who perform a range of laboratory, space-based and field sensor operations and analysis related to visible and infrared electro-optical imagers and spectrometers. The ideal candidate will have the experience and skills to contribute to the architecture, design, fabrication and analysis of new sensor systems to address a broad range of measurements in support of the detection, tracking, and characterization of celestial and resident space objects (RSOs). Of particular interest to the department are distributed telescopes and hyperspectral phenomenology as applied to the space domain awareness (SDA) and overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas for US government customers including NASA, NOAA, the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.
Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite laboratory work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here:
https://aerospace.org/aerospace-virtual-tours
What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting design, development, test and evaluation of SDA and OPIR telescopes and sensor subsystems for the United States Department of Defense and intelligence community

• Conducting specialized performance analysis and architecture studies, and reporting findings
• Developing and maintaining target tracking and data analysis software pipelines
• Using and maintaining existing 1 meter and 40 centimeter telescopes and other astronomical instrumentation
• Leading technical specialists in design, fabrication, test and maintenance tasks
• Developing concepts and proposals for next-generation sensors to address government challenges in remote sensing

• Presenting results and technical content to internal customers, external customers and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
• Partnering with technical experts across multiple disciplines to explore the art of the possible to address hard problems for the US government

This position is available as a Senior Member of the Technical Staff (Senior MTS) or Research Scientist
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Senior Member of Technical Staff (Sr. MTS)

• Advanced degree from in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Science, Geodesy or related discipline(s)
• 5 years of postgraduate experience in design, modeling, simulation, and/or fabrication of optical remote sensing systems

• Experience planning and conducting technical work both independently and collaboratively
• Experience with scientific programming in Matlab, C++, Python or similar software development environments
• Familiarity with satellite tracking and characterization
• Oral communication skills, as demonstrated by internal or external presentations such as conferences and customer outbriefs
• 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.

Research Scientist
Same requirements as Sr. MTSnoted above, in addition to:

• 8 years of postgraduate experience in design, modeling, simulation and/or fabrication of remote sensing systems
• Strong written communication skills, as demonstrated by publication record including peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings

• Demonstrated ability to conceive, propose and execute new research projects

How You Can Stand Out
Sr. MTS or Research Scientist
Same requirements as Sr. MTSnoted above, in addition to one or more of the following:

• Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Science, Geodesy or related discipline(s)
• 10 years experience in design, modeling, simulation and/or fabrication of optical remote sensing systems
• Experience with architectures and instrumentation for satellite detection, tracking and characterization
• Experience with orbit determination and satellite attitude modeling

• Familiarity with optical system design and analysis, including performance modeling
• Familiarity with military weapons systems and tactics
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in architecture, design, fabrication and/or analysis tasks
• Demonstrated laboratory, electronics and/or hardware assembly skills

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 - Mid - Max)
$70,999 - $123,920 - $176,842
Pay Basis: Annual
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.