Senior Space Optics Engineer — SDA & DoD Programs

Saic

Denver (CO)

On-site

USD 160,000 - 200,000

Full time

13 days ago

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Job summary

SAIC is seeking a senior Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer to join the Space and Intelligence Business Group in Aurora/Denver, CO. You will work on a crown jewel IC/DoD program delivering advanced space and counter-space engineering with SMEs across optics, photonics, and space systems.

The role focuses on SDA applications, satellite simulations, and optical data processing. Candidates should have extensive experience with ground/space optical systems, mission modeling, and TS/SCI with CI

Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Optics, Planetary Science, Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or Math, or related field and 14 or more years 14 or more with a Masters, 9 or more with a PhD) of direct experience.
Experience with ground or space-based optical or laser systems, the fields of photonics or optoelectronics, space object optical characterization or data processing techniques
Understanding material properties, and component characteristics to determine performance, susceptibilities, and operational reliability.
Experience with project or task technical leadership.
Experience with JIRA project management tool and familiarity with Agile concept.
Understanding of fundamentals of astrodynamics and space systems.
Knowledge of space system acquisitions or space technology developments.
Demonstrated record of effective individual and group work behaviors, with abilities to proactively initiate and operate in dynamic and incompletely defined environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience conveying technical concepts, results, and summaries to internal customers, external customers, and stakeholders of diverse technical backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Perform program-specific analyses, understand foreign threat capabilities and development, and conduct optical and laser phenomenology research
Perform rapid prototyping of optical modeling and simulation tools of various fidelities
Design and edit satellite models and optical simulations to inform analyses and trade studies related to operational scenarios
Develop estimates of space object optical signatures using physics-based methods or via similarity to existing data
Develop and refine innovative concepts for space laser systems and architectures, knowledge of advanced engineering principles and state-of-the-art technology.[DO1.1]
Create system CONOPS, considering operational trade-offs, environmental effects, and mission requirements
Conduct detailed assessments and analysis of space laser system performance, focusing on rigorous link budget modeling, system efficiencies, and platform-specific trade-offs.[DO2.1]
Ability to conduct link budget analysis, considering various system and operational parameters. Evaluate the impacts of different modulation techniques, and photonics technologies on overall system performance.
Simulate SDA data of space objects that represent the sensor system’s spatial, spectral, and other capabilities under representative seeing conditions
Quantify impacts and sensitivity to changes in CONOPS, scenarios and/or threats
Develop and brief analytical results for stand-alone and broader assessment products
Achieve detailed understanding of multiple satellite systems, designs, operations, and classifications in order to make design or CONOPS recommendations
Develope and maintain in-depth knowledge of U.S. and Foreign SDA optical capabilities
Frequently interact with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs and external stakeholders
Develop productive relationships with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontract counterparts, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs