Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment seeks a Staff EO Payload Engineer to drive architecture, integration, and testing of next-generation Earth Observation payloads for satellite systems. The role emphasizes on-orbit performance, verification strategies, and end-to-end support from lab development to launch and commissioning.

The position offers a hybrid arrangement with on-site work at the Washington State production facility, and relocation by the end of 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 10+ years designing, modelling, integrating or testing optical systems for space imaging.
• Hands-on lab experience with interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers and related tools.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language used for scientific computing.
• Strong understanding of optical image formation and detector physics.
• Experience with radiometry and image quality metrics.
• Ability to develop technical specifications for complex optical systems.
• Familiarity with spacecraft payload integration and SE processes.
• U.S. citizenship is required for program access.

Responsibilities

• Develop integration, verification, and qualification test strategies for EO payloads.
• Design and maintain optical and sensor test facilities for payload validation.
• Lead payload testing with production teams during spacecraft integration.
• Define requirements for GSE and payload test infrastructure.
• Support on-orbit commissioning, calibration, and characterisation.
• Collaborate with engineering, management, and manufacturing for end-to-end verification.
• Model and evaluate new optical sensors and detector technologies.
• Develop system-level optical performance requirements and verification strategies.
• Provide technical guidance during payload procurement and acceptance activities.
• Support additional engineering activities as needed.

Skills

Optical engineering

Spaceborne imaging experience

Laboratory testing

Python (scientific computing)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or Physics

Master’s degree or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Interferometers

Theodolites

Laser trackers

Optical metrology tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Staff EO Payload Engineer to play a key role in the development of next-generation Earth Observation (EO) imaging payloads for advanced satellite systems. This is a senior technical position focused on the architecture, integration, testing, and on-orbit performance of cutting-edge optical payloads.

Working alongside Payload Engineering, Systems Engineering, Image Processing, Satellite Operations, and Production teams, you will help define new payload concepts, develop integration and verification strategies, and oversee payload testing from laboratory development through satellite integration, launch, commissioning, and long-term operational support.

A unique aspect of this role is the opportunity to help design not only a new imaging payload but also the dedicated optical test facility used to validate its performance.

Candidates may begin remotely; however, once hardware integration activities commence, the role will require regular on-site presence at the Washington State production facility. Candidates should be prepared to relocate to the area by the end of 2026 and work in a hybrid capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive integration, verification, and qualification test strategies for advanced Earth Observation payloads.
• Design, develop, and maintain optical and sensor test facilities to support payload integration and validation.
• Lead payload testing activities and support production teams during spacecraft integration.
• Partner with engineering, programme management, and manufacturing teams to ensure efficient end-to-end payload verification from planning through execution.
• Define requirements for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and oversee the development of specialised payload test infrastructure.
• Contribute to the architecture and development of next-generation optical payloads and imaging systems.
• Model, simulate, and evaluate new optical sensors, detector technologies, and imaging concepts to support research and future product development.
• Develop system-level optical performance requirements and verification strategies.
• Provide technical guidance during payload procurement, integration, and acceptance activities.
• Support on-orbit payload commissioning, calibration, and characterisation.
• Analyse operational imaging performance, compare measured results against predicted models, and refine testing methodologies to improve future payload performance.
• Support additional engineering activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of experience specifying, designing, modelling, integrating, or testing optical systems, with significant experience supporting space-based imaging or remote sensing payloads.
• Extensive hands‑on laboratory experience with optical alignment, integration, and test equipment such as interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers, and related optical metrology tools.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language used for scientific or numerical computing.
• Strong understanding of optical image formation, detector physics, and visible and infrared imaging systems.
• Experience with radiometry, optical performance modelling, image quality metrics, and system performance prediction.
• Demonstrated ability to develop structured technical specifications and requirements for complex optical systems.
• Familiarity with spacecraft payload integration, interface requirements, and systems engineering processes.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to programme requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Remote Sensing, or a related discipline.
• Direct experience developing or supporting spaceborne optical remote sensing systems.
• Experience with focal plane array design, development, or integration.
• Experience performing radiometric, spatial, and spectral calibration of satellite imaging systems.
• Proficiency in Python for scientific computing, modelling, or automation.
• Experience in complementary engineering disciplines such as mechanical, thermal, or electrical engineering.