Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (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.
Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.
We are seeking a Commercial Remote Sensing Licensing and Compliance Expert (Project Engineer or Project Leader - Client Technical Analysis) to provide technical, analytical, and programmatic support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Space Commerce (OSC) and Office of Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA). CRSRA is responsible for the licensing and regulatory oversight of U.S. companies and non-governmental entities that own and operate space-based remote sensing satellites for commercial and other purposes. This full-time position falls within our Space Based Environmental Monitoring Directorate, part of the Federal and Commercial Programs Division, which is a trusted NOAA partner.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• Providing dedicated support to CRSRA.

• Planning and conducting analyses pertaining to the licensing and compliance of private remote sensing space systems, evaluating technical collection capabilities, system architecture, and operational activities.

• Ensuring operator compliance with Federal law, regulations, and NOAA licenses via technical review, monitoring, and inquiries to the operators.

• Coordinating key subject-matter experts to develop, execute, and deliver technical consultation to the CRSRA federal staff .

• Leveraging expertise in a wide range of technical areas related to remote sensing system capabilities, including: ground networks; cloud-based satellite operations; mission operations and flight control; satellite bus and payload design, integration, and control; orbit mechanics; satellite decay/deorbit analysis; and communications system. These activities range across phenomenologies to include electro-optical and SAR (or other radiofrequency) remote sensing modalities.

• Interfacing with a wide range of CRSRA's U.S. Government partners on matters of licensing and compliance important to national security.

• Participating in the development and execution of investigative plans, including on-site inspection of private remote sensing space system ground components, manufacturing facilities, mission control centers, and other infrastructure.

• Delivering comprehensive reports and analysis documenting technical specifications, capabilities, recommendations, and exploratory research to aid in the decision-making of CRSRA staff.

What You Need to be Successful - Project Leader - Client Technical Analysis
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in applicable STEM areas.
• 8 years, or more, of increasingly responsible and relevant professional experience in one or more of the following fields: space system design, development, or operation; space operations or operations analysis; space-related regulatory operations; commercial space policy analysis and development; electro-optical sensor design, manufacturing, or test; synthetic aperture radar design, manufacturing, or test; imagery product or data analysis, including data processing or image formation; corporate governance and business vetting.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise extreme attention to detail, including timely delivery of comprehensive reports.
• Willing to travel approximately 10% of the time, if 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.

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

• Demonstrated ability to identify customer needs when not specifically asked or directed; and to propose, plan, execute, and deliver solutions to meet those needs.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. private remote sensing industry frontrunners, leading technologies, emerging activities, or other space industry capabilities.
• Hands-on experience designing, developing, and/or operating space systems; experience with imagery analysis, image formation, or using image products operationally.
• Possess an active TS/SCI 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)
$120,800.00 - $181,100.00
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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.