Senior EO Payload Engineer — Imaging & Test Lead

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

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.