Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.
 
 All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
 

Riverside Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as a Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Prototype Development Subject Matter Expert (SME). The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing our organization's mission to enhance space domain awareness and contribute to national and global security. This position requires a unique blend of technical expertise in SDA, experience in prototype development, and a strategic mindset for business development. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of remote sensing and space domain awareness capabilities and programs, familiarity with SDA modeling tools, and a history of SDA community engagement.

Prototype Development & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, development, and testing of cutting-edge SDA prototypes, including sensors, algorithms, and data fusion systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, data scientists, and researchers, to translate research into actionable SDA technical approaches and solutions.
• Serve as the technical lead for SDA projects, providing expert guidance on system architecture, data integration, and operational deployment.
• Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance SDA capabilities, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics.
• Conduct system performance analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement iterative enhancements to prototypes.

Subject Matter Expertise (SME)

• Act as the organization's subject matter expert on SDA, providing insights, guidance, and strategic direction to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in space domain awareness, space traffic management, and related fields.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, workshops, and meetings, contributing to thought leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and academia to advance SDA research and development initiatives.

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred) in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Clearance:  TS/SCI w/ Poly
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in SDA, space systems development, or related fields, with a proven track record in prototype development and technical leadership.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in SDA technologies, including sensor design, data fusion, orbital mechanics, and space debris tracking. Experience with AI/ML techniques applied to space domain awareness is highly desirable.
• Business Acumen: Demonstrated experience in business development, including securing funding, developing partnerships, and managing client relationships.
• Leadership: Excellent leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

$150,000 - $210,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

 
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.