Chief System Engineer

Fruition Group; Colorado; On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Fruition Group seeks a Chief Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems Engineer to lead technical efforts in developing complex optical systems. This role combines engineering expertise with leadership, guiding teams in creating advanced EO/IR sensor systems. The position entails designing, integrating, and ensuring compliance in systems that support U.S. defense and intelligence operations, providing a unique opportunity for impact in a mission-driven environment.

Benefits

401(k)

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Qualifications

• 10–12+ years in EO/IR systems engineering.
• Strong background in imaging systems and performance budgeting.
• Skilled in CONOPS development.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture for EO/IR sensing systems.
• Translate customer needs into requirements.
• Guide development of optical and electronic subsystems.

Skills

Imaging systems

Sensor integration

Technical leadership

System architecture

Requirements traceability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or physics

Job description

This range is provided by Fruition Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$200,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Fruition Group

Connecting experienced Embedded Electronics, and Electrical Engineers with amazing career opportunities in Leading 1st Tiers & Semiconductor…

An industry leader in advanced defense technologies is seeking a Chief Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across all phases of complex optical system development — from early concept through delivery. This is a strategic, hands-on role guiding cross-functional engineering teams in the design and integration of advanced EO/IR sensor systems.

• Lead the system architecture, design trades, and integration strategy for EO/IR sensing systems.
• Translate customer needs into top-level requirements and system CONOPS.
• Guide development of optical and electronic subsystems, with a focus on performance and compliance.
• Act as technical liaison to customers and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare design review materials, technical documentation, and verification plans.
• Support internal R&D initiatives and contribute to new business opportunities.

Qualifications for the Chief Systems Engineer:

• 10–12+ years in EO/IR systems engineering with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or physics.
• Strong background in imaging systems, sensor integration, and system-level architecture.
• Experience with system decomposition, performance budgeting, and requirements traceability.
• Skilled in CONOPS development and cross-discipline technical leadership.

Preferred:

• Experience in spaceborne imaging or advanced military-grade EO/IR systems.
• Familiarity with NIIRS, MTF, SNR, and mission-level optical phenomenology.

Why join the organization:

This is a rare chance to work at the intersection of advanced technology, national security, and aerospace innovation. With a long-standing legacy in defense and intelligence programs, this organization delivers cutting-edge solutions in EO/IR, RF systems, and spaceborne technologies.

Why?

• Mission-Driven Projects: Contribute to systems that support critical U.S. defense and intelligence operations. Your work will have direct and lasting strategic impact.
• Advanced Engineering: Tackle challenging design and development across high-performance EO/IR payloads, satellite systems, and space technologies.
• Technical Ownership: Engineers here take the lead—from architecture through delivery—with the support of experienced, collaborative teams.
• Lean and Agile Culture: Enjoy the flexibility of a smaller, high-impact environment—less bureaucracy, faster decision-making, and greater personal responsibility.
• Career Development: Opportunities to lead internal R&D, define system architectures, and influence future programs make this a strong path for continued technical and leadership growth.

If this sounds like a role you would like, please apply now!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Design, Management, and Engineering

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Electrical Equipment Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Fruition Group by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job

401(k)

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

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