Demo

Staff Scientist

aechelontechnology
South San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/15/2026
Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek people who share our passion for real-time computer graphics and commitment to our mission of helping make our Nation’s pilots safer. We will give you a chance to work with some of the most talented people in the graphics industry. 
 

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to server in the role of Staff Scientist specializing in RF energy, radar phenomenology, and imaging techniques such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This role is to provide scientific guidance as a part of an experienced sensor-simulation development team working to create realistic radar simulations that target existing and emerging market applications.

Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead research, development, and validation of physics-based models of RF energy propagation, scattering, and imaging, including Synthetic Aperture Radar, Inverse SAR, Doppler Beam Sharpening, and related coherent imaging techniques.
  • Develop computational models and algorithms that simulate radar phenomenology, sensor behavior, and imaging artifacts in realistic training environments.
  • Provide scientific direction in:
    • RF system modeling and simulation
    • Electromagnetic wave propagation, terrain/material interactions, and radar cross-section behavior
    • Advanced SAR processing algorithms and image formation
    • Modeling of environmental and platform motion effects on radar signals
    • Atmospheric, terrain, structure and entity modeling in the infrared spectrum.
  • Collaborate closely with software engineers to transition scientific models into real-time or near–real-time simulation software (primarily C/C on Windows and Linux).
  • Produce technical documentation—including algorithms, models, assumptions, and validation approaches.
  • Engage with customers and internal stakeholders to understand requirements, present results, and guide sensor-modeling improvements.
  • Assist in strategic research planning, technical risk assessment, and schedule estimation.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

  • Significant experience in RF systems, electromagnetics, radar imaging, or closely related fields.
  • Demonstrated expertise in radar signal processing and imaging algorithms (e.g., SAR/ISAR, matched filtering, motion compensation, interferometry).
  • Strong background in applied physics, electromagnetic theory, and RF phenomenology.
  • Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., C/C , Python, MATLAB) and experience transitioning models into production environments.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work with export-controlled technology and handle sensitive technical information.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

  • None

REQUIRED EDUCATION, ELIGIBILITY AND EXPERIENCE:

  • PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a similar technical discipline with a focus on electromagnetics, radar, or signal processing.

This position description is not intended to be a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee holding this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed, or others may be assigned at any time by the Company with notice to the employee.

This position description is not intended to be a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee holding this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or others may be assigned at any time by the Company with notice to the employee. 

Aechelon Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing access and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant who is unable to fully utilize/access our application process because of a disability, Aechelon Technology will provide a reasonable accommodation. Please send an email to hr_team@aechelon.com to request that accommodation, and please be sure to include a detailed description of your requested accommodation, your name and preferred method of contact.

Salary.com Estimation for Staff Scientist in South San Francisco, CA
$129,060 to $158,174
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Staff Scientist?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Staff Scientist career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$103,625 - $127,928
Income Estimation: 
$88,975 - $120,741
Income Estimation: 
$68,121 - $81,836
Income Estimation: 
$71,928 - $87,026
Income Estimation: 
$125,958 - $157,570
Income Estimation: 
$87,186 - $106,215
Income Estimation: 
$101,213 - $124,848
Income Estimation: 
$90,267 - $107,792
Income Estimation: 
$90,926 - $113,495
Income Estimation: 
$102,148 - $116,687
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at aechelontechnology

  • aechelontechnology Overland Park, KS
  • Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek peo... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • aechelontechnology South San Francisco, CA
  • Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek peo... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • aechelontechnology South San Francisco, CA
  • Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek peo... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • aechelontechnology Farmer, TX
  • Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek peo... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Staff Scientist jobs in the South San Francisco, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Focus Staff Greenbrae, CA
  • Focus Staff is seeking a travel Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) for a travel job in Greenbrae, California. Job Description & Requirements Specialty: Clinical ... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Twist Bioscience South San Francisco, CA
  • Scientist / Sr Scientist / Staff Scientist (NGS Applications) in South San Francisco Job Description We are seeking a highly motivated and technically prof... more
  • 14 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!