2026 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiringaSensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer for the Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. This is an onsite opportunity in Chantilly Virginia.

The SMSD team supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays modeling the end-to-end sensing system simulating target scenes and atmospheres developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our expertise combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

Work Model

This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly VA.

What Youll Be Doing

• Applying SMSD and COTS analysis tools and techniques for applications including image chain modeling scene simulation spectroscopy computer vision change detection and tracking space domain awareness lidar and 3D remote sensing radio frequency remote sensing product quality metrics optics calibration and/or data simulation.

• Applying best practices for modeling & simulation software development to augment existing software capabilities.

• Advising internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.

• Performing documenting and presenting results of studies to inform and influence decisions.

• Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned as needed.

• Training and mentorship will be provided.

WhatCorporateSkillsYoull Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Must work well both independently and in a collaborative team environment.

• Possess organizational time management and project management skills.

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need.

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters in Remote Sensing Imaging Science Astronomy Physics Mathematics Atmospheric Science Computer Science Optical or Electrical Engineering or another related discipline pursuing or conferred within last 12 months.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of: Python C Matlab IDL etc.

• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

• This position requires the ability to obtainand maintaina security clearancewhich is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Bachelors GPA of 3.5 or higher.

• Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor teach or coach others.

• Experience with any or all of the following through coursework and/or prior internship(s).

• Electro-optical system modeling simulation design data processing calibration characterization phenomenology or applications.

• Computation of sensor performance figures of merit (e.g. SNR NESR).

• Evaluation of sensor hardware performance.

• Synthetic scene generation (with tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine).

• Modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects (with tools such as MODTRAN).

• Agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira Confluence).

• Active security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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 otherthe 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 equalopportunity 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.