Remote Sensing 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.

Job Summary 

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 Imaging Spectroscopy Department collects, calibrates, and analyzes hyperspectral imagery in the short-wave (SWIR), mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave (LWIR) infrared bands to demonstrate capabilities relevant to environmental monitoring, strategic intelligence and tactical defense applications.  We develop, maintain and operate a suite of state-of-the-art prototype hyperspectral sensor systems and we deploy them on mobile ground-based and airborne platforms several times a year. 

The department is seeking a Research Scientist or a Senior Scientist - Signal & Image Processing Engineering and Physics with backgrounds in atmospheric physics, chemistry and remote sensing to join our team of highly skilled technical specialists.

Work Model  

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Develop algorithms and applications for hyperspectral data processing 

• Support government customers and Aerospace personnel in the National Systems Group and Civil Systems Group 

• Participate in research and development teams with excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to exercise sound judgement 

• Learn and develop skills related to instrument maintenance, preparation, deployment and operation of sensor systems on ground-based and airborne platforms  

• Support internal investment projects to further develop instrumentation, collection techniques and analysis capabilities 

• Maintain subject matter expertise in hyperspectral instrumentation and science 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Research Scientist- Signal & Image Processing Engineering and Physics

• Master's in chemistry, physics, remote sensing, GIS, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline is required

• (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific research experience is required 

• Desire to learn signal and image processing as well as underlying physical phenomenology 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% during summer months (as required) 

• This position requires 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.  

 In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Scientist- Signal & Image Processing Engineering and Physics:

• Advanced degree in chemistry, physics, remote sensing, GIS, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline is highly preferred

• (12) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific research experience is preferred

• Background in signal processing, image science, spectral analysis, spatial analysis and/or computer vision 

• Demonstrated expertise in electro-optical systems design and performance analysis

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Direct experience with airborne surveillance and/or optical systems 

• First hand experience with design, manufacture and/or calibration and testing of hyperspectral imaging systems 

• Strong knowledge with remote sensing of atmospheric, ocean or geologic chemistry 

• Experience with NRO, NGA, NOAA, NASA or other agencies in applications of hyperspectral technology  

• Active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security 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)

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.

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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.