Optical Systems Engineer

Job Summary

The Optics Team are the subject matter experts relating to all optical systems at Millennium and spanning systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and hardware design/test. They support mission engineering related to the use of optical communications terminals (OCT), optical payloads, star trackers, laser range finders, etc. They are systems engineers managing critical interfaces to optical systems. Members of the team model mission phenomenology and detection performance of Electro-Optical (EO)/Infared (IF) and optical communications payloads considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor, as well as support development of mission data processing algorithms. In addition to analysis, the team designs and develops optical hardware, including star trackers and sensor packages that support autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They work closely with manufacturing, providing optical ground support equipment (GSE), software tools, and test support.

An Optical Systems Engineer possesses a strong background in spaceborne electro-optical sensor technology (visible to infrared; active and passive). You will oversee OCT usage on our programs, ensuring system specifications meet mission needs. You will own mission performance requirements for remote sensing missions and model mission phenomenology and detection performance considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. You will be the primary interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team, managing interfaces between these elements. Successful Optical Systems Engineers have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, and calibration of optical hardware.

This position's internal job code is Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. Our team is currently hiring for a Level 3-4.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for OCTs, electro-optical (EO) sensors, and space vehicle interfaces
• Design and implement modeling and simulation of optical systems
• Develop and execute unit and system level tests on the ground and on-orbit to verify performance
• Manage supplier and partner performance 
• Manage complex projects by coordinating work statements, setting and tracking budget/schedule, and measuring technical performance 
• Support large-scale new business proposals

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences / computer science
• 7+ years industry experience in optical engineering 
• Experience with space-to-space and/or space-to-ground laser communication 
• Experience with performance/phenomenology/modeling of space-based EO sensors
• Ability to train and mentor other members of the team
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ industry experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation.
• On-orbit experience in the operation and performance validation of OCTs
• Ability to develop and maintain an OCT link budget
• Experience with design, integration, qualification, and test of satellite optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.
• Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission-related information
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only of what is reasonably expected to be paid for the position. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay-Range

• Level 3: $104,550 - $153,750
• Level 4: $126,650- $186,250

Benefits and Perks
Millennium Space Systems offers a very competitive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan.