Applied Physical Scientist

Responsibilities

• Design and implement algorithms for SDA applications, including object detection, tracking, and characterization in space environments.
• Analyze SDA-related datasets and simulations to improve space situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
• Apply expertise in statistics, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics to identify patterns and deliver innovative solutions.
• Perform image processing, coordinate transformations, sensor calibration, and related analytical tasks as needed.
• Develop production-quality code in Python and Java/Spring Boot, following modern software engineering practices including version control, code review, automated testing, and CI/CD.
• Containerize algorithms and services using Docker for deployment to Kubernetes clusters.
• Collaborate with SDA and EOIR domain experts to refine algorithm requirements and validate results.
• Partner with software engineers to integrate scientific algorithms into robust, deployable services.
• Engage with customers to present technical results, gather feedback, and define future tasking.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong technical background in astronomy or physics.
• Practical knowledge of telescopes and optical systems, including observation planning or mission design.
• Experience with standard astronomical data analysis and reduction procedures.
• Strong mathematical foundation, with experience applying statistical methods to scientific data.
• Programming fluency in Python with scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, or equivalent).
• Experience with Java development; Spring Boot experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with containerized development workflows (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of MongoDB or similar document databases.
• Proficiency with Git for version control and collaborative development.
• Experience writing automated tests (unit, integration) for scientific and production code.
• Desired experience with STK (Ansys Systems Tool Kit), OD++ or similar orbit determination software.