Frontier Technology Inc. is seeking an experienced Applied Physical Scientist to join our Sensor and Data Services team in Beverly, MA. This role focuses on Space Domain Awareness (SDA), including advanced analysis, physics-based modeling, algorithm development, and deployment of solutions for space-based systems. Experience with EOIR sensors is beneficial but not required.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and software engineers, developing and deploying algorithms and services that enhance space situational awareness. Our team operates in a cloud-native development environment using modern DevOps practices. This position is currently 100% on-site at our Beverly, MA facility due to the classified nature of the work. Active TS security clearance is required to be upgraded with a SCI.
ResponsibilitiesScientific Analysis and Algorithm Development
- 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.
Software Development and Deployment
- 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.
- Participate in the full development lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
Collaboration and Communication
- 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. Communicate complex technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Communicate complex technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Education
- Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
Domain Knowledge
- 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.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required.
Software Development
- 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.
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Skills Required
- 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 and experience applying statistical methods to scientific data
- Active Top Secret security clearance, with ability to upgrade to SCI
- U.S. citizenship
- Programming fluency in Python with scientific computing libraries such as NumPy or SciPy
- Experience with Java development
- Experience with containerized development workflows using Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines such as Jenkins
- Working knowledge of MongoDB or similar document databases
- Proficiency with Git for version control and collaborative development
- Experience writing automated unit and integration tests for scientific and production code
- Experience developing algorithms for object detection, tracking, characterization, image processing, or sensor analysis
- Spring Boot experience
- Experience with EOIR sensors
- Experience with STK, OD++, or similar orbit determination software
FTI Defense Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about FTI Defense and has not been reviewed or approved by FTI Defense.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage plus life and AD&D insurance, indicating comprehensive core protection. Additional options such as FSAs and disability coverage further reinforce health-related support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible PTO plus jury duty, bereavement, military leave, and short- and long-term disability are explicitly offered. This breadth supports time away for both planned rest and major life events.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with company matching is part of the stated total rewards. The program is positioned as competitively benchmarked, signaling attention to long-term savings.
FTI Defense Insights
What We Do
FTI Defense provides the technology and deep data expertise to drive the best defense and intelligence solutions. Our subject matter experts, deep knowledge of domain and mission requirements, close customer collaboration, and extensive technology portfolio mean we can be mission-ready in a matter of weeks at a fraction of the cost and our customers own their data, all to enhance the ability of our customers to make the best decisions possible in support of their missions. Working here means you bring your intelligence, integrity, and ideas to make a positive impact. By collaborating on teams united by trust and respect, we create an environment where it is safe to offer your ideas and your contributions are seen and heard. Our strong moral compass and warm culture help us attract and retain high performing, cleared teammates who maintain deep subject matter expertise across all areas of importance to our customers. Integrity, commitment, compassion and charity act as the North Star for everything we do - and we do it all for the people who safeguard our nation, each other, and the children, veterans and underserved in our communities. Join us and make a positive impact on our company, our customers, our communities – and your career.
