Engineer Senior Principal - Optical - Focal Plane Systems

BAE Systems•Boulder, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Focal Plane Systems Engineer and will report to the Detector Technology Center of the Payload Engineering department within the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit of BAE Systems Space and Missions Systems (SMS). The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

Requirements

BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience.
Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience.
Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education.
Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
Experience with modeling, testing, and performance analysis of focal planes.
Knowledge of mechanical packaging of focal planes and the associated thermal and contamination control design.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with technical and executive stakeholders.
Excellent customer service, accountability, professionalism, and interpersonal skills set.
The applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Nice To Haves

BS degree in Engineering, Physics, or other related technical field plus 8 or more years related experience.
An advanced degree.
A current, active TS/SCI security clearance.
Leadership experience with technical teams.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of custom focal plane subsystems with applications across the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, Visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) for space-based platforms.
Define subsystem architectures and guide the design, integration, testing, and qualification of low-noise detectors used in high-speed video, and scientific applications.
Develop system-level specifications, allocate requirements to the focal plane subsystem, and establish rigorous verification paths for hardware validation.
Collaborate with detector test teams to implement focal plane signal path demonstrations, integrating hardware to characterize devices and debug operational issues.
Conduct detailed focal plane subsystem analysis, specializing in radiometric, spatial, and spectral performance, noise characteristics, and digital signal integrity.
Contribute to technical proposals for new EO payloads. Identify enabling focal plane technologies to meet mission objectives.
Oversee focal plane procurement and major subcontract activities, including statement of work and specification development. Provide technical management of subcontracts, including evaluations, negotiations, and execution throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Perform other duties as necessary.