Senior Optical Systems Engineer / Senior Optical Systems Engineeress

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Every image captured by a satellite and every laser link established hinges on the expertise of a professional who comprehends both the spacecraft and the optical payload it carries. It is at this critical intersection where mission performance is determined.

Our client is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to play a pivotal role in ensuring mission performance for EO/IR and laser systems. In this position, you will develop predictive models for system performance and validate that performance both on the ground and in orbit. If you possess around 7 or more years of experience in optical engineering and are looking for an opportunity that allows you to operate independently throughout the entire project lifecycle—without the immediate responsibility of managing a department—this role is an excellent match.

The Role

You will be responsible for:

• Owning mission performance requirements for remote sensing and/or space-to-space missions.
• Modeling phenomenology and detection performance for EO/IR and active sensor systems.
• Acting as the primary interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team.
• Managing requirements and interfaces across all three teams.
• Designing and implementing modeling and simulation of optical systems.
• Developing and executing unit and system-level test campaigns on the ground and in orbit.
• Managing supplier and partner performance, coordinating project budgets, and schedules.
• Contributing to large-scale new business proposals.

The team operates in two main areas: EO/IR camera systems, which encompass the visible spectrum to longwave infrared, and laser systems, including laser rangefinders and optical communication terminals. Candidates with strengths in either of these areas—or both—are encouraged to apply online using the form below.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or computer science.
• 7 or more years of industry experience in optical engineering.
• Experience with space-to-space and/or space-to-ground laser communication.
• Familiarity with performance, phenomenology, or modeling of space-based EO sensors.
• US Citizenship is required. No active security clearance is needed to start, though the ability to obtain a Secret clearance post-start is mandatory.

What Sets Candidates Apart

• 10 or more years of experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation.
• On-orbit experience with the operation and performance validation of optical communication terminals.
• Experience in developing and maintaining link budgets for optical communication terminals.
• Familiarity with the design, integration, qualification, and testing of satellite optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, star trackers, or laser rangefinders.
• Experience with onboard or ground processing of optical data to extract mission-relevant information.
• Ability to mentor and develop other team members.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Contact: Adam Slade