Scientist Astronomer/Astrophysicist

The Remote Sensing Department of The Aerospace Corporation has a full-time, permanent position available that is well matched to an observational astronomer with strong instrumentation skills. The successful candidate would begin employment during the late summer or early fall. Resumes can be submitted at http://www.aerospace.org/careers/how-to-apply/ and should be directed to requisition 43543 (see additional details below). Those seeking additional information can contact Drs. Richard Rudy (310-336-5799), Sloane Wiktorowicz (310-336-1168), Jon Mauerhan (310-336-7306), or John Subasavage (310-336-6371).

The Aerospace Corporation has provided independent technical and scientific research, development, and advisory services to national security space programs since 1960. We operate a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) for the United States Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office and support all national security space programs. We also apply more than 50 years of experience with space systems to projects for civil agencies like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commercial companies, universities, and international organizations in the national interest.

From our inception, our highly skilled technical staff has focused on ensuring the success of every mission and developing the most effective and economic space-related hardware and software in the world. Our greatest asset is the technical expertise of our people. Our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are staffed by some of the leading scientists in the world.

The duties of the posted position are as follows:

• Apply technical oversight and quality assurance to the development, maintenance, radiometric calibration, and operation of national asset spacecraft imaging and spectroscopic sensors
• Develop, operate, and calibrate remote sensing and astronomical instrumentation
• Conduct independent research and author research proposals
• Participate in remote sensing data collects supporting scientific investigations in subject areas including sensor calibration, astronomy, remote sensing, space object identification, and space situational awareness
• Reduce, analyze, and present results of these collects and other analyses as spoken briefs and/or written technical reports and journal publications

The qualifications for the position are as follows:

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or physical sciences required
• Postgraduate experience preferred
• Background in remote sensing, observational astronomy, infrared sensors, radiometry, and the design, fabrication, calibration, and operation of remote sensing and astronomical instrumentation very desirable
• Must be able and willing to travel and work at altitude
• Proven ability to carry out research and assigned tasks independently
• Good communication skills demonstrated through a colloquium or technical presentation; excellent technical writing skills demonstrated through an extensive publication record
• The ability to interact successfully in a multi-disciplinary technical environment that includes scientists, engineers, and military personnel very desirable.
• Proficiency in Python, IDL, Matlab or the like desirable
• The ability to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance is required

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, and that produces superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability status.