SAR Engineering Specialist/ Scientist

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. The Radar Processing and Analysis Department (RPAD) resides within ESD. Our team includes a diverse set of highly respected engineers and scientists working to advance the most challenging Radar technologies and associated missions. RPAD specializes in solving technical challenges covering a broad range of disciplines including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image formation processing, Radar system modeling (antenna modeling, transmit and receive chain modeling, etc.), Moving Target Indication (MTI), maritime surveillance, electronic warfare, signal processing, and algorithm development for advanced SAR image products. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and capabilities, enables RPAD to shape the future of Radar and deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.
This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Engineering innovative and sophisticated Radar and SAR solutions for the latest space applications
• Architecting SAR antenna, payload and sensor performance for mission success
• Designing SAR image formation processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar products
• Characterizing performance to support program acquisition, planning and maturation
• Partnering with technical experts across multiple disciplines to explore innovative solutions to critical national missions

This position is available as an Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Engineering Specialist

• Willingness to work on-site 4 days per week
• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related technical discipline
• At least 8 years of experience in SAR and/or Radar systems with a background in SAR Image and phase history processing and analysis
• Strong scientific programming skills: Matlab, Python, C++, etc.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 5% of time
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Senior Engineering Specialist
Same requirements as Engineering Specialist noted above, in addition to:

• At least 12 years of experience in SAR and/or Radar systems with a background in SAR Image and phase history processing and analysis
• Working knowledge of heritage space, air, missile and ground-based systems
• High aptitude for leadership

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

• PHD degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related technical discipline
• 12+ years of experience in SAR and/or Radar systems with a background in SAR Image and phase history processing and analysis
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

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.