Senior Optical Systems Engineer / Senior Optical Systems Engineeress

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Every image captured by a satellite and every laser link it forms is dependent on a deep understanding of the spacecraft and its optical payload. This critical interface is where mission performance is determined.

Our client is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to play a pivotal role at the heart of this interface. You will be responsible for owning mission performance requirements for EO/IR and laser systems, developing models to predict performance, and validating that performance both on the ground and in orbit. If you have 7 or more years of experience in optical engineering and are looking for a role that allows you to operate independently across the full lifecycle without the responsibility of leading an entire department, this opportunity is a strong fit.

The Role

You will be tasked with managing mission performance requirements for remote sensing and space-to-space missions, modelling phenomenology, and assessing detection performance for EO/IR and active sensor systems. As the primary interface among the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team, you will:

• Manage requirements and interfaces across all three teams.
• Design and implement modelling and simulation of optical systems.
• Develop and execute unit and system-level test campaigns both on the ground and in orbit.
• Supervise supplier and partner performance.
• Coordinate project budgets and schedules.
• Contribute to large-scale new business proposals.

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

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with performance, phenomenology, or modelling of space-based EO sensors.
• US Citizenship is required. While no active security clearance is needed to start, the ability to obtain a Secret clearance post-start is necessary.

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 developing and maintaining link budgets for optical communication terminals.
• Experience 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. Apply online using the form below.

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

Contact: Adam Slade