Payload Specialist

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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

As a more services-oriented component, the Imaging Spectroscopy Department (ISD) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Payload Specialist. The position supplements an existing team of experienced personnel who perform a storied range of scientific, field, and airborne hyperspectral sensor operations and is focused on a long-term growth track toward increasing mission management responsibilities with customer interactions and complex field mission operations supporting an emerging portfolio of USG clients. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will undergo several months of sensor and hands-on training in preparation for solo flight operations utilizing state of the art hyperspectral sensor systems and associated electro-optical (EO) sensors

• Training in hyperspectral data analytics will be provided and s/he will be expected to establish proficiency at target identification operations using specialized software

• Supplementary activities include working with scientists in research settings, technicians working in modern lab environments, and support to ground-based remote area operations.

• On achieving proficiency in these core areas, you will be required to interact and communicate forward operational vision and demonstrate leadership potential with customers and new business prospects in the civil, intelligence and military sectors

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in GIS, remote sensing, or hard STEM degrees with exposure to remote sensing concepts and practices. (Candidates with proven computer science experience may also be considered)

• Typically, 3-5 years of proven commercial, government or military experience

• Experience in airborne remote sensing and the dynamic flight environment who have conducted live sensor missions and performed associated data processing and analytics using advanced workflow platforms

• Proficient or demonstrated capability for training to support large scale data exploitation and associated software workflow process as prelude to specialized training in hyperspectral exploitation and processes

• Ability to pass FAA airman medical exam; lift 35 lb. boxes unassisted, basis during mobilization and field deployment activities; ability to breathe through onboard bottle oxygen systems for occasional high-altitude flights; wear flight suit and helmet for select missions

• Travel approximately 20% of the time, mostly during summer but position requires year-round on call for possible short deployments on domestic and international basis

• This position requires 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

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Demonstrated experience operating complex instrument systems that support mission-oriented and scientific investigations; experience with rapid deployment and turn-around of the data product

• Mindset and communications skills for working in team setting comprising a mix of scientists and aircraft flight personnel is essential supplemented with a cool calm “get it done” field attitude in pressing the edge through a mix of discipline and creativity which fosters growth, new ways of doing business and exceeding customer expectations

• Possess an individual sense of mission and discovery which is drawn to the edge to deliver and make a difference

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. A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

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, producing superior customer solutions. 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 need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement , as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .