Senior SAR Signal and Image Processing 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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Radar Processing and Analysis Department is based in Chantilly, VA. We specialize in SAR image formation processing, SAR system performance modeling and analysis, moving target indications (MTI) and tracking, maritime surveillance techniques, electronic protection applications, complex data processor development, and advanced processing algorithms. Many of our projects are done in collaboration with the Radar and Signal Systems Department, our MPD counterpart in El Segundo, CA. We are looking for experienced SAR Signal & Image Processing Engineers to grow our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Join us today to become part of a culture and legacy of engineering innovation, technical excellence, and ground-breaking contributions to our nation’s defense and intelligence capabilities!

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and advance signal and image processing techniques to exploit the full value of SAR complex phase history data

• Create and evolve SAR data processors to improve product quality and investigate innovative applications of advanced radar algorithms. 

• Evaluate SAR data utility for high-resolution radar imagery, MTI, maritime search and surveillance, and electronic protection applications.

• Model and analyze the performance of SAR payload concepts, designs, prototypes, and flight hardware to support the government customers’ research and technology, program planning, acquisition, and operations activities.

• Mentor early and mid-career engineers within RPAD to maintain our strong foundation of SAR processing and analysis knowledge and skills

• Serve as the integration leader and the principal technical representative to customers for a portfolio of large, multi-phase, multi-disciplinary projects.

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics or related technical discipline

• 10 or more years of relevant complex RF signal and/or image processing experience

• Strong background in advanced mathematics including Fourier transforms, differential equations, and estimation theory

• Experience with modeling and simulation of complex SAR or radar system performance.

• Proven experience as an integration leader and coordinator of technical teams

• 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

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 

• PhD from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, Imaging Sciences or related technical discipline

• Experience with SAR for MTI detection and tracking applications

• Familiarity with design and development of space qualified SAR antennas, payloads, or sensors

• Demonstrated success as the principal technical representative to a government customer

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.