Senior Mission Analysis Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Senior Mission Analysis Engineer in Los Angeles. The engineer will be responsible for modeling and simulating satellite performance, developing EO/IR image processing algorithms, and collaborating with technical teams to ensure deliverables meet client needs.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and 9+ years of related experience, with proficiency in satellite systems and orbital mechanics. A commitment to security with US Person status and Top Secret clearance is required for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience modeling and simulating satellite systems using relevant tools.
• Experience with EO/IR systems and image processing algorithms.
• Experience in orbital mechanics and state estimation.
• US Person status and TS clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Own full modeling and simulation stack for the program.
• Develop EO/IR image processing algorithm chains.
• Create payload performance models for satellite systems.
• Manage program activities to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Modeling and simulating complex satellite systems

EO/IR optical systems

Orbital mechanics

Kinematic state estimation

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

14 or more years of experience (preferred)

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Python

C++

VHDL

Verilog

Vitis Model Composer

Job description

Senior Mission Analysis Engineer

The intelligence value of a satellite constellation is only as good as the analysis behind it, and the engineers who model, simulate and validate that performance are the ones who determine whether a mission truly meets the warfighter’s need. Our client develops some of the most capable national security space systems in operation and they need a senior mission analysis engineer to serve as the Responsible Engineering Authority for all modelling, simulation and analysis across a programme. If you have deep experience in EO/IR systems, orbital mechanics and constellation performance, and the technical leadership to own complex deliverables end to end, this role is worth your attention.

The role

You will own the full modelling and simulation stack for a programme or study, from building large constellation simulations to assess mission effectiveness, through to developing EO/IR image processing algorithm chains from photon to warfighter output. You will create payload performance models, develop novel algorithms for sensing and tracking systems, lead CONOPS and Design Reference Mission development, and collaborate with software and firmware teams to build simulation deployment platforms including hardware and software in the loop environments. Alongside technical delivery, you will manage programme activities to ensure work products are on time and the proposed mission solution meets the customer requirement.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree with 9 or more years of related experience in aerospace systems design, analysis and/or operation


• Experience modelling and simulating complex satellite systems using tools such as Matlab/Simulink, Python or C++


• Experience with EO/IR optical systems and image processing algorithms


• Experience in orbital mechanics and kinematic state estimation


• US Person status required; Top Secret clearance required post start

What sets candidates apart

• 14 or more years of experience in satellite design and/or operation


• Experience with government furnished image models such as ASSET, PRA Toolkit or AFSIM


• Proficiency with hardware development languages including VHDL, Verilog or Vitis Model Composer


• Experience with satellite space to space communication networks


• Technical leadership experience including requirements verification and validation, REA experience and cost account management


• Active TS/SCI clearance