Weather Remote Sensing 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 Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. Our staff includes subject matter experts across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency; infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials, and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

Within ESD, the Weather Remote Sensing Systems Office (WRSSO) supports Department of Defense (DOD) and Civil customers (NOAA/NASA) in all phases of Space Based Environmental Monitoring Program planning and execution. Areas of focus include Program planning and development, technology maturation, sensor performance, sensor anomaly resolution, requirements definition, data assessment, numerical weather modeling, environmental data product retrievals and algorithms, and sensor data exploitation. The WRSSO also partners with Aerospace’s Physical Sciences Laboratory to develop and test novel sensor solutions to meet the remote sensing needs of its customers. The WRSSO seeks an expert in Electro-Optical/Infrared environmental sensing sensors technology, development, systems engineering, calibration, testing and evaluation, and products retrieval. Experience with development of sensor simulation and modeling through application of digital engineering approaches, direct data product utility assessment, and data science applications is highly desired.

Work Model: This position is based in El Segundo, CA and requires a minimum of three days per week in office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Digital tool development to benefit enterprise environmental remote sensing studies and foster adoption of Aerospace’s Digital Engineering initiative

• Perform technical analysis in support of space sensor acquisition customers

• Develop techniques and tools related to weather remote sensing systems, including end-to-end system performance modeling, radiative transfer of electro-optical infrared sensors, and sensor trade study assessments

• Lead engineering team(s) with systems engineering assessments of EO/IR sensor technologies

• Anticipate customer future needs and develop innovate capabilities and solutions to address such needs through novel sensor solutions

• Collaborate with a wide range of engineering disciplines to formulate and execute technical studies

• Prepare and present technical briefings

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited program in science, mathematics or engineering

• Eight years of related experience in environmental remote sensing or related field

• Knowledge of the DOD and NOAA/NASA environmental sensing space enterprise

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with, form, and lead technical teams

• Expertise with electro-optical/infrared environmental remote sensing space systems

• Strong scientific programming skills

• Willing to travel domestically up to 20%

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist include:

• Twelve years of related experience in environmental remote sensing or related field

• Direct experience supporting Government programs in technical areas supported by the WRSSO

• Demonstrated experience applying systems engineering expertise to weather remote sensing systems

• Experience supporting weather remote sensing programs within a Federally Funded Research and Development Center

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Masters or PhD from an accredited program in science, mathematics, or engineering

• Expertise in technical programing associated with environmental remote sensing

• Knowledge and experience of data science applications for earth remote sensing data products

• Awareness of weather and environmental remote sensing mission area trends, key customers/stakeholders, and demonstrated experience working across the enterprise

• Experience in project planning, resource management, and developing customer relationships

• An active SCI/Top Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government. 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.