Instrument Engineer IV

STC • Greenbelt, MD

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Science and Technology Corporation (STC) is seeking a highly experienced Instrument Engineer IV to serve as the Instrument Systems Lead supporting NASA’s FALCON lidar mission at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This is a senior-level role providing systems engineering leadership for a next-generation space-based lidar instrument designed to advance atmospheric science measurements, including aerosol, cloud, and water vapor profiling. The selected candidate will lead instrument systems engineering activities across the full development lifecycle, working closely with NASA scientists, engineers, and mission partners at GSFC and Langley Research Center (LaRC). This role requires deep expertise in spaceflight instrument development, systems integration, and technical leadership. ATMOS is a NASA support services contract that provides advanced scientific, engineering, and technical expertise to enable Earth and space science missions. The program supports research, data analysis, technology development, and mission operations across multiple NASA centers. Through ATMOS, our teams deliver innovative solutions that help advance NASA’s mission and expand scientific discovery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Optics, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in spaceflight or airborne instrument systems engineering, design, and integration
• Demonstrated experience in instrument systems engineering leadership roles
• Strong knowledge of remote sensing instruments, particularly lidar or optical systems (highly desired)
• Experience with requirements development, system integration, and verification/validation processes
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinate across organizations
• Experience supporting NASA or similar government spaceflight programs strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present at technical reviews and interact with senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Serve as Instrument Systems Lead for the FALCON lidar instrument, providing overall technical leadership and systems engineering direction
• Lead development, management, and verification of instrument requirements and system architecture
• Guide the instrument systems team in developing and maintaining key systems engineering products (e.g., system diagrams, verification plans, technical documentation)
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment between instrument design, performance, and mission requirements
• Support instrument integration, testing, and verification activities, including development of test procedures and evaluation of results
• Prepare and present materials for technical reviews, design reviews, and program milestones
• Provide technical support and coordination with the Mission Systems Engineer (MSE) and Instrument Management team
• Conduct hardware and documentation inspections, including site visits to vendors and partner facilities as needed
• Contribute to resolution of technical issues and ensure adherence to project schedules and performance requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior