Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

At the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), we don’t just build sensors; We are looking for an Experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division in leading development and testing of visible and infrared imaging sensor systems for space flight programs. If you have a passion for physics, a knack for data, and a desire to see your work launch into orbit, we want to hear from you.

SDL is seeking an Electro-Optical Systems Engineer (EOSE) to join our Strategic & Military Space Division. The selected candidate will serve as a technical authority bridging optical physics, sensor architecture, and space systems engineering. In this high-impact, interdisciplinary role, you will lead and support the architecture, design, modeling, integration, and calibration of advanced visible and infrared (EO/IR) payloads for military and civil space applications. The selected candidate will collaborate directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software) and brief external Government sponsors throughout all phases of the program lifecycle, from concept development to flight hardware delivery.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Prepares review packages, establishes and maintains technical performance measures (TPMs), manages requirements traceability artifacts, and resolves programmatic action items

Develops and applies advanced optical design methods, radiometric/photometric models, and trade studies to solve complex problems in VIS/IR sensor performance, stray light mitigation,



and image processing

Leads and executes complex optical alignment, benchtop integration, ambient testing, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) calibration campaigns for visible, short-wave, mid-wave, and long-wave infrared flight payloads

Writes, maintains, and executes automated data reduction pipelines in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, sensor characterization, and image quality analysis

Serves as a primary technical representative in customer briefings, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and progress reviews, clearly communicating complex technical risks, performance models, and test results

Documents innovation through technical papers, conference presentations (e.g., Must have a bachelor’s or advanced degree in physics, optical engineering, astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline with:

Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant industry/research experience OR

Master’s degree and 8+ years of relevant industry/research experience OR

PhD and 4+ years of relevant industry/research experience

S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.Government security clearance

Advanced proficiency in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, automated image processing, and radiometric pipeline development

Demonstrated understanding of optical system behavior under thermal, mechanical, structural, and space workplace constraints (TVAC, radiation, jitter,



outgassing)

Demonstrated capability to take technical ownership in one or more core EO domains: optical architecture, stray light/diffraction analysis, precision optical alignment, or flight hardware calibration

Willingness and ability to travel as required to support integration, testing, and customer reviews (typically

PhD in physics, optical engineering, astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline

Direct experience characterizing or integrating visible and infrared detector focal plane assemblies (CCD, CMOS, InSb, HgCdTe, microbolometers)

Hands‑on experience with industry‑standard optical modeling software (Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, CODE V, or OSLO) for optical design, stray light analysis, and Narcissus effect analysis

Prior experience driving flight instrument hardware through build, TVAC test, and delivery phases within a NASA, DoW, or national laboratory environment

Familiarity with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles, Cost Account Management (CAM), or a willingness to learn these skills and oversee technical cost/schedule baselines in partnership with program managers

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive perks package. SDL delivers advanced multi‑domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense.

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