Electro-Optical 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 Visible & Infrared Sensor Systems Department (VISSD), within the Sensing and Processing Subdivision (SPS) in MPD, is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team of scientists and engineers that support the design and development of electro-optical (EO) sensor payloads and prototypes. VISSD expertise includes the following: concept definition and mission driven design synthesis of electro-optical space sensors, detailed characterization and performance analysis of visible and infrared (IR) image sensors, as well as the design, assembly, integration and test (AI&T) of ground and airborne prototype sensors. This expertise combined with additional in-house (MPD) laboratories, prototyping, performance modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables VISSD to deliver innovative solutions to our civil, commercial, and national space systems customers.

If you’re passionate about sensors, data, and solving hard problems across a broad set of missions, join our team to help shape the future of space sensing.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support activities involving a group of engineers supporting the development of visible and infrared sensor systems used for space surveillance, overhead persistent infrared systems, and Earth remote sensing applications for SSC, NRO and Civil Space programs

• Provide and direct independent focal plane array (FPA) characterization activities as well as prototype sensor hardware design and AI&T

• Work closely with program offices and customers to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success

What You Need to be Successful – Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree (Bachelors, Master’s, Ph.D.) from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, astronomy, or another related field

• Two or more years of industry related experience or time spent obtaining an advanced degree

• Strong hardware, laboratory, data analysis, analytical, and software skills with a demonstrated ability to complete and/or lead engineering analysis tasks

• Experience developing engineering analysis methods and tools using a primary computer programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, IDL or another appropriate language)

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with customers and contractor personnel

• 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 Senior Member of Technical Staff:

• Four or more years of industry related experience or time spent obtaining an advanced degree

• Demonstrated ownership of one or more technical projects from start to finish

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced (Master's or Ph.D.) degree from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, astronomy, or another related field

• Hands-on experience with visible and infrared remote sensing systems and/or hardware design and development activities

• Proven ability to perform radiometric calibration of remote sensing systems

• Strong foundation in semiconductor physics and device fabrication

• Proficiency with mixed signal integrated circuit design and modeling

• Technical skills in analog and/or digital board design and modeling

• Working knowledge of optical alignments

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.