Systems Engineer, Space Imaging

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Space Imaging team is seeking a Systems Engineer to join our team. The Imaging Space team is responsible for system architecture definition, trade analyses, and modeling/validating system performance for spaceborne EO/IR systems.

In this role, you will be responsible for defining active EO/IR system architectures. You will perform radiometric performance modeling as well as laboratory, ground, and flight testing. To predict real-world performance, you will also model atmospheric and environmental effects for land, sea, and air targets. You will leverage your analyses to inform system-level architectural trades. As needed, you will also lead small teams of engineers from concept ideation through system definition and development.

You should have a track record of successfully working on fast-paced, highly technical, interdisciplinary teams. Proficiency in analytical toolchains or languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python) is required. Experience with industry standard EO/IR modeling software packages (e.g. MODTRAN, SPIRITS, AFSIM) is a plus. Prior experience working with space sensors and systems is highly desirable.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Define system architectures via detailed trade studies and analyses.
• Adapt or derive physics-based models of sensor system performance and derive requirements based on those models.
• Take ownership over the development of prototype sensor systems in a lab environment.
• Support both laboratory-based and field-based experiments and demonstrations.
• Engage technically with the hardware, software, and mission teams to define, integrate, and deliver high performance systems to our customers.
• Validate models against laboratory and real-world data.
• Coordinate and communicate with both external & internal stakeholders with varying degrees of technical background.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Model development and validation in one or more domains relevant to remote sensing
• Ability to decompose complex systems into functional parts, with clearly defined interfaces and requirements for each.
• Experience in system design and development from initial concept through test and delivery to customer.
• Strong laboratory skills (rapid prototyping, design of experiments) and familiarity with opto-electrical test and measurement equipment.
• Willingness to travel to test sites, as needed.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of current and next-generation advanced sensing systems and platforms
• Active and passive sensing domain experience (e.g., LiDAR, EO/IR, Radar)
• Experience with laser systems, including opto-mechanical scanning and beam steering techniques.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical control systems, including their performance requirements and verification methodologies.
• Experience with LiDAR/Radar signal processing techniques, and knowledge of their implementation on real-time embedded platforms (FPGA, MCU, etc.).
• Experience with signature and/or scenario modeling/software packages (MODTRAN, SPIRITS, AFSIM).
• Space domain experience (architecting sensors for operation in space environments)