Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer - Space Imaging

Space Dynamics Laboratory; 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

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.