Senior Systems Engineer, EO/IR Payloads

The Judge Group; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer in Denver, CO to lead active EO/IR system architecture definition, radiometric modeling, and lab/flight testing. You will manage interfaces, work with cross-functional teams, and guide system-level trades from concept to deployment.

Responsibilities include developing test plans, validating models with real-world data, and authoring ICDs for payload integration, while ensuring performance and reliability for space-domain missions.

Qualifications

• BS or higher degree in engineering or hard science.
• Experience in system design and development from concept through test and delivery to customer.
• Deep understanding of optical test equipment, tools and methodologies with physics relevance.
• Experience with advanced payload analyses and laboratory measurements (photon transfer, radiometry, etc.).
• Ability to write technical documentation, procedures and reports.
• Strong lab skills and familiarity with opto-electrical test & measurement equipment.

Responsibilities

• Define system architectures for active and passive EO payloads via trade studies and analyses.
• Model sensor performance and derive requirements from models.
• Lead prototype sensor system development in a lab environment.
• Create test plans to measure payload KPIs in lab and field environments.
• Characterize radiometric and geometric performance of flight hardware with test equipment.
• Collaborate with hardware, software and mission teams to deliver high-performance systems.
• Validate models against lab and real-world data.
• Coordinate with external & internal stakeholders of varying technical backgrounds.
• Author ICDs for payload integration across electrical, data, algorithms, mechanical, thermal and optical interfaces.
• Define on-orbit calibration sequences and provide real-time engineering support during operations.
• Develop test plans for qualification and acceptance of space flight hardware.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

EO/IR modeling

System integration

Technical documentation

Lab testing

Education

BS or higher in engineering or hard science

Tools

MODTRAN

SPIRITS

AFSIM

Job description

The Judge Group is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer in Denver, CO to lead active EO/IR system architecture definition, radiometric modeling, and lab/flight testing. You will manage interfaces, work with cross-functional teams, and guide system-level trades from concept to deployment.

Responsibilities include developing test plans, validating models with real-world data, and authoring ICDs for payload integration, while ensuring performance and reliability for space-domain missions.