Optical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 Advanced Sensor Engineering Department (ASED) is a multi-disciplinary group of engineers and scientists actively engaged in supporting current and future generations of remote sensing systems of national importance. ASED covers a wide range of focus areas largely based around EO/IR collection capabilities. While members of ASED have a core competency area, they are all willing to work, learn, and engage in methodologies and efforts outside of this core competency to support a wide range of efforts and activities. This includes modeling system performance, exploring new phenomenologies, developing proof of concept and/or prototype systems, providing assessments of EO/IR sensor components and systems, and developing algorithms and techniques for the analysis and processing of remote sensing data. All this is supported and accomplished through modeling, simulation, and laboratory capabilities. The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA What You'll Be Doing * Supporting the design, development, and characterization of EO/IR collection capabilities through the use of DIRSIG, MODTRAN, and other modeling software to generate synthetic imagery
* Leveraging laboratory capabilities to support the system performance assessments
* Implementing, developing, generating, and/or assessing image processing and data analysis techniques for both synthetic and real sensor based EO/IR data sets
* Utilizing ASED lab capabilities in support of assessing and developing EO/IR systems and related phenomenologies
* Working with a team of junior and senior staff with a diverse knowledgebase across Aerospace and multiple customers on technical studies as both contributor and leader What You Need to be Successful - Member of Technical Staff Minimum Requirements: * Bachelor's in Imaging Science, Remote Sensing, Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or another related discipline
* Familiarity with software such as DIRSIG and MODTRAN for generating synthetic data for EO/IR systems
* Experience with relevant synthetic image generation techniques such as 3D scene construction, image simulation, and/or verification of synthetic data sets
* Prior exposure to programming environments and languages such as Matlab, Python, and/or C/C++
* This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI 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 Engineering Specialist include: * Eight or more years of experience working with EO/IR system analysis, assessment, modeling, data processing, and exploitation
* Proficiency for developing flexible analysis, modeling, and testing capabilities
* Expertise generating and/or using synthetic imagery for studies, system design, and performance assessments How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: * An advanced degree in Physics, Astronomy, Remote Sensing, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Imaging Science, Optical Engineering, or another related discipline
* Proficiency using DIRSIG for the generation of synthetic EO/IR imagery
* Understanding of radiometric calibration methodologies as applied to space based systems
* Demonstrated abilities in the end-to-end analysis and verification of synthetic and real EO/IR datasets
* Understanding of focal plane technologies including characterization, calibration, modeling, and how these are modeled into a synthetic image chain
* Experience collecting, analyzing, and applying data with standard radiometric measurement equipment including spectrometers, power meters, and/or other relevant tools for use in synthetic imagery generation and assessments
* Prior experience implementing scripted pipelines for automation of processing pipelines
* Demonstrated ability to apply laboratory measurements and results to modeling and assessment of EO/IR systems
* Current TS/SCI 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)
$110,400.00 - $193,000.00 Pay Basis: Annual 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 . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .