2026 OPIR/Remote Sensing Algorithm Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Imagery Processing and Exploitation Department (IPED) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of highly skilled physicists, engineers and mathematicians who support a variety of United States Government space programs. The department applies its knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to advise government and internal Aerospace customers on technical matters related to space-based remote sensing. IPED develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from cutting edge satellites and space systems. The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA What You’ll Be Doing Solve challenging problems involving multi-sensor imagery data analysis, exploitation, and integration including for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas executed by the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command; Missile Defense Agency; Space Development Agency; and intelligence community Employ mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques, optimizing calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking Leveraging end-to-end data exploitation and analytics knowledge to validate novel image and signal processing algorithms Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and data analytics to provide independent verification and validation of new image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies to optimize performance of space payloads Craft innovative, multi phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Requirements

Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Experience developing detection, background suppression, and tracking algorithms and their application to imagery data
Adept at conducting modeling and simulation, test data generation, algorithm performance trade studies, and reporting findings to stakeholders
Numerical programming experience using Python and/or Matlab and/or C++
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts

Nice To Haves

Active security clearance
Demonstrated expertise in linear algebra and spectral theory, evidenced by one or more of the following: Publications, patents, or technical reports using spectral methods Production-grade implementation of algorithms relying on eigenvalue analysis, SVD, and related techniques
Published work in scientific journals or technical conferences on remote sensing or algorithm development and analysis
Experience applying artificial intelligence/computer vision methods to detection and tracking applications

Responsibilities

Solve challenging problems involving multi-sensor imagery data analysis, exploitation, and integration including for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas executed by the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command; Missile Defense Agency; Space Development Agency; and intelligence community
Employ mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques, optimizing calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking
Leveraging end-to-end data exploitation and analytics knowledge to validate novel image and signal processing algorithms
Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and data analytics to provide independent verification and validation of new image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies to optimize performance of space payloads
Craft innovative, multi phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Benefits

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