2026 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care

401(k) plan with company contributions

Education assistance programs

Job summary

Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer to work onsite in Chantilly, Virginia. This role involves utilizing advanced modeling and simulation techniques to support the development of remote sensing systems and advising on system performance.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field and possess strong programming skills. A competitive compensation package and industry-leading benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Remote Sensing or related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Strong scientific programming skills in at least one language.

Responsibilities

• Apply analysis tools for various remote sensing applications.
• Advise internal customers on system performance.
• Document and present results of studies.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Project management skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. degree in relevant fields

Tools

Python

C++

Matlab

IDL

Job description

Sensor Modeling and Simulation Analysis Engineer

Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) at The Aerospace Corporation. This onsite role is located 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 You’ll 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.
• Advise internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.
• Perform, document, and present 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.

What Corporate Skills You’ll 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:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline, pursued 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 obtain and maintain a security clearance, which 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:

• Bachelor’s 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 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) $105,000.00 - $120,000.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• 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: 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; education assistance programs; an inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

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 needs reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.