Sensor and Detector Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD is seeking talented engineers to develop next-generation infrared sensors and electro-optical instrumentation for space missions. The role involves research, design, and testing of spaceflight instruments, with contributions to the advancement of infrared detector technologies.

Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with at least 2 years of relevant experience, along with strong skills in sensor and detector systems design and collaboration within teams.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in sensor and detector systems design.
• Experience with designing and characterizing electro-optical technologies.
• Proficiency with lab testing and analysis of systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development of electro-optical sensing technologies.
• Design and optimize detector and sensor systems.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on instrument development.

Skills

Sensor and detector systems design

Characterization of electro-optical systems

Computer-aided design tools

Effective communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory test equipment

Circuit simulation tools

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about developing next-generation infrared sensors and electro-optical instrumentation for groundbreaking space missions? Do you want to see the technology you design fly on missions that advance our understanding of the solar system? We are seeking talented engineers with expertise in infrared sensors, detector characterization, and electro-optical instrumentation to contribute to the research, development, integration, and testing of spaceflight instruments. If you are passionate about infrared detector technologies, focal plane arrays, and advancing state-of-the-art instrumentation for spaceflight missions, we would be excited to have you join our team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, design, and development of electro-optical and infrared sensing technologies for spaceflight instruments.
• Design, model, analyze, and optimize detector and sensor systems, including focal plane arrays, readout electronics, and associated instrumentation.
• Develop and execute lab experiments to characterize detector performance across various spectral bands.
• Perform electrical, optical, spectral, and environmental characterization of detector technologies and evaluate performance against mission requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers throughout all phases of instrument development.
• Support proposal development and contribute technical expertise to future spaceflight opportunities.
• Prepare for and present at design reviews.
• Generate test plans and technical documentation.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent technical field, with 2+ years of experience in sensor and detector systems design.
• Experience with designing, developing, or characterizing electro-optical, infrared, or other sensor technologies.
• Experience with laboratory testing, characterization, and analysis of electronic or electro-optical systems.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design and circuit simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Eligibility to obtain a Secret-level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Additional Qualifications

• A PhD. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent 5+ years of technical experience in sensor and detector systems, analog electronics, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Experience designing space-qualified electronics, including custom detector electronics, part selection, de-rating, and worst-case analysis, radiation considerations, and design margin assessment.
• Experience designing, troubleshooting, and operating laboratory test equipment and instrumentation.
• Experience supporting the development of spaceflight, aerospace, or defense instrumentation.
• Leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and mentor early-career engineers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].