Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Space Dynamics; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 126,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory in Utah seeks an Experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to lead development and testing of visible and infrared imaging sensor systems for spaceflight programs. You will drive technical performance, TPMs, and requirements traceability while coordinating across cross-functional teams.

The role requires a strong background in optical design, radiometric modeling, and proficiency with Python or MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant industry or research experience, or a Master’s with 8+ years, or a PhD with 4+ years.
• U.S. citizen able to obtain and maintain security clearance.
• Advanced proficiency in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional arrays and image processing.
• Mastery of visible and thermal infrared physics (Planck's law, blackbody calibration, detector noise).
• Experience with TVAC, radiation, jitter, outgassing constraints on optical systems.
• Ability to own EO domain areas: optical architecture, stray light/diffraction, alignment, or calibration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; leadership of cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel <15% for integration, testing, reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead EO payload subsystem across milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Prepare review packages and TPMs; manage requirements traceability artifacts.
• Develop optical design methods and radiometric models for VIS/IR performance.
• Lead optical alignment, benchtop integration, ambient testing, and TVAC calibration campaigns.
• Write and run automated data reduction pipelines in Python or MATLAB.
• Represent the lab in customer briefings and TIMs; communicate risks and results.
• Provide mentorship and career development for junior engineers.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams in proposals, concept studies, and architecture trades.
• Document innovation through papers and IRAD reports.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Optical design

Radiometric models

TVAC

Requirements traceability

Technical leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Clear communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/optical engineering

Master's degree

PhD in physics/optical engineering

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

CODE V

OSLO

Job description

Job ID: 9991
Date Posted: November 2, 2026

At the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), we don't just build sensors; we shape the future of space exploration. We are looking for an Experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division in leading development and testing of visible and infrared imaging sensor systems for space flight programs. If you have a passion for physics, a knack for data, and a desire to see your work launch into orbit, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the electro-optical payload subsystem across formal milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Prepares review packages, establishes and maintains technical performance measures (TPMs), manages requirements traceability artifacts, and resolves programmatic action items
• Develops and applies advanced optical design methods, radiometric/photometric models, and trade studies to solve complex problems in VIS/IR sensor performance, stray light mitigation, and image processing
• Leads and executes complex optical alignment, benchtop integration, ambient testing, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) calibration campaigns for visible, short-wave, mid-wave, and long-wave infrared flight payloads
• Writes, maintains, and executes automated data reduction pipelines in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, sensor characterization, and image quality analysis
• Serves as a primary technical representative in customer briefings, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and progress reviews, clearly communicating complex technical risks, performance models, and test results
• Provides work leadership, mentorship, and career development support for junior and mid-level engineers
• Leads interdisciplinary teams in proposal efforts, concept studies, and architecture trades for small- to mid-sized space programs
• Documents innovation through technical papers, conference presentations (e.g., SPIE, AAS), and internal research and development (IRAD) reports to advance laboratory capabilities

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a bachelor’s or advanced degree in physics, optical engineering, astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline with:
  • Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant industry/research experience OR
  • Master’s degree and 8+ years of relevant industry/research experience OR
  • PhD and 4+ years of relevant industry/research experience
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Advanced proficiency in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, automated image processing, and radiometric pipeline development
• Core mastery of visible and thermal infrared physics (e.g., Planck's Law, blackbody calibration sources, detector noise characteristics, radiometric measurement budgets)
• Demonstrated understanding of optical system behavior under thermal, mechanical, structural, and space environment constraints (TVAC, radiation, jitter, outgassing)
• Demonstrated capability to take technical ownership in one or more core EO domains: optical architecture, stray light/diffraction analysis, precision optical alignment, or flight hardware calibration
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities, and delivering under schedule pressure
• Willingness and ability to travel as required to support integration, testing, and customer reviews (typically <15%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in physics, optical engineering, astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Direct experience characterizing or integrating visible and infrared detector focal plane assemblies (CCD, CMOS, InSb, HgCdTe, microbolometers)
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard optical modeling software (Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, CODE V, or OSLO) for optical design, stray light analysis, and Narcissus effect analysis
• Prior experience driving flight instrument hardware through build, TVAC test, and delivery phases within a NASA, DoW, or national laboratory environment
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles, Cost Account Management (CAM), or a willingness to learn these skills and oversee technical cost/schedule baselines in partnership with program managers

*Salary Range

• $126,000 - $200,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [e-mail].