Find GIS JobsRemote Sensing Architecture Performance Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
- Location
- Chantilly, VA
- Job type
- Full-time
- Employer type
- University or nonprofit
- Posted
- Oct 5, 2026
- Apply by
- Dec 4, 2026
About the job
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. The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. The Surveillance and Navigation Architecture Performance Department (SNAPD) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision aspires to be the premier force advising the evolution of national security and civil space enterprises, leveraging our modeling and simulation (M&S) expertise to evaluate end-to-end architecture performance. We are seeking a Remote Sensing Architecture Performance Engineer that will make use of sophisticated modeling and simulation tools in support of requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives (AoA), and performance modeling for space-based remote sensing architectures. Work Model: 100% onsite at one of the three major Aerospace Corporation locations in Chantilly VA, or El Segundo CA, or Colorado Springs CO. What You’ll Be Doing: - Support analysis in one or more of these specific mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems, and/or space protection supporting defense or intelligence capabilities. - Provide analysis to support recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions of legacy and emerging customer space-based sensing architectures. - Perform architecture evaluation modeling overall performance using in-house or custom-developed analysis tools. - Work closely with senior staff, management, and a team to translate customer needs into project objectives and provide quality controlled and assured deliverables to customer organizations - Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers. - Grow awareness of analysis outcomes to provide initial assessments when needed and defend unanticipated results to both internal and external stakeholders. - Aid in sustainment, development, and growth of the organization’s analysis and simulation capabilities to support increasing functional areas for our diverse customer base. What You Need to be Successful: Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff: - B.S. degree in aerospace engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field from an accredited program. - 5 years of relevant educational, professional, and/or technical work experience post bachelor’s degree in relevant topic areas (e.g., modeling and simulation, mission analysis, astrodynamics, or space operations.) - Demonstrated technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations - Knowledge in one or more of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: signals intelligence, geo-spatial intelligence, space surveillance, navigation systems or space protection - Familiarity with one or more software languages that may include Python, C/C++, and/or High-Performance Computing/Linux environments. - This position requires the 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. In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist include: - 8 or more years of increasingly responsible engineering experience - Professional experience with one or more of the following subjects: space-related modeling and simulation, geolocation, mission data processing, signal processing, space threats, resilient systems, advanced PNT technologies, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling - Proficiency with one or more software languages that may include Python, C, C++, MATLAB, Fortran, Java How You Can Stand Out: It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: - Graduate degree in one of the fields of study mentioned above - Significant, firsthand work history in one or more of the functional/mission areas listed above. - Academic or professional background in systems engineering, modeling & simulation, or space-based remote sensing architectures. - Demonstrated responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, to include the ability to: - Self-manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and deliverables - Maintain deliverable quality and manage customer expectations - Take direction, work independently, and develop productive working relationships - Interact and collaborate across a diverse team in different locations - Knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios. - Current TS/SCI access with polygraph. 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) $100,300.00 - $175,900.00 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.
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