Radar Sensor Systems Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community. We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities. We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense. Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!

SPA has an immediate need for an analytics focused Radar Sensor Systems Engineers to provide Systems Engineering Technical Advisor (SETA) support in the Space Remote Sensing Domain.

The GREY HAVEN program is responsible for coordinating, integrating, and executing all necessary modeling, simulations, and technical analysis to deliver recommendations and technical assistance in support of the customer mission. The successful candidate will conduct and lead Radar analyses and Product Quality test activities to support recommendations related to the insertion of new RADAR technology and assist the development of sensor models for new data collection systems and methods. Familiarity with current GEOINT systems and products will be necessary to develop, assess, and execute test and verification methodologies.

Key duties include but are not limited to:

Sensor modeling including development and analysis of payload performance tables.
• Algorithm assessment to quantify product performance for desired mission applications.
• Baseline assessment of system performance to support sensor initialization.
• Regression analysis and evaluations of delivered operational capabilities.
• Development, preparation, and execution of comprehensive test and evaluation plans, procedures and schedules, which verify and validate enterprise capabilities, system requirements, performance, and operability.
• Readiness for system integration, test, evaluation, and transition activities.
• Analysis and performance requirement verification of new capabilities and emerging systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI with Poly required
• BS degree with 10-12 years of experience; MS degree with 8-10 years of experience; PhD with 5-7 years of experience
• Experience working with GEOINT Radar imaging systems, sensors, and/or data
• Experience in Radar Image Science (Phenomenology, Sensor technology, Image Processing, Product Quality)
• Understanding and application of image quality standards, scales, metrics, and image quality equations
• Applied knowledge of sensor imaging systems, products, and exploitation processes
• Understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle to include independent testing and data verification
• Excellent communication skills
• Proven team leader with experience mentoring a team while delivering individual technical responsibilities
• Experienced problem solver performing in a dynamic work environment
• Reports to designated work location in Chantilly, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired Qualifications:

• Degree in Image Science, Electrical Engineering, or Physics
• Understanding of the GEOINT enterprise TCPED process
• Experience working in a DoD or IC operational environment
• Experience working on Product Initialization teams
• Experience developing engineering code (e.g. C, Python, Matlab, IDL) to solve hard problems and create processes for repeatable results