Infrared Sounding Subject Matter Expert

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. The Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges, supporting NASA, NOAA, NNSA, and other civilian federal agencies.

About the role

The Operational Missions (OM) team, part of CSG’s NASA Programs Division (NPD), provides program management and systems engineering support to NASA-centric and joint agency programs at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This support spans all program phases, from concept through design, development, deployment, and operations, across all program sizes. This is a casual part-time position located on-site at Langley AFB, VA.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with NASA and NOAA infrared sounding missions in operations and under development to ascertain their highest risks and hardest problems; team with Aerospace, Contractor, and Government contributors to mitigate these risks and solve these problems
• Serve as a principal technical representative on infrared sounding to assigned missions, and facilitate communications with the broader customer payload community
• Participate in scientific and technical forums on infrared sounding
• Provide scientific and technical support to milestone reviews such as subsystem and system level Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) for infrared sounders
• Advise project and program scientists and perform independent analyses to assess scientific and technical requirement compliance
• Advise the projects on scientific and technical risks affecting the development and performance of the infrared sounders
• Prepare written materials to communicate relevant findings

Requirements

• Master’s degree in relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline
• 15+ years of experience in remote sensing and atmospheric science, particularly with infrared systems
• Expertise in hyperspectral infrared sounder development for atmospheric applications
• Experience leading satellite instrument programs from design through operations
• Demonstrated ability with anomaly resolution during instrument build, test, and on-orbit operations
• Extensive experience with space-based instrument calibration and validation methodologies
• Willing to travel occasionally to domestic customer or vendor sites
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance, which this position may require

Qualifications

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

• PhD degree in relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline
• Familiarity with NASA/NOAA satellite programs (e.g., JPSS, GeoXO, or similar weather satellite systems)
• Experience working with Science Teams on algorithm development and data analysis
• Knowledge of atmospheric sounding requirements and science data product development

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $90.00 - $100.00 per hour.

Benefits

• 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

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. We look for individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results