Optical Systems Engineer (mid-career) - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing•El Segundo, CA

2d•$99,000 - $215,000

About The Position

The Optics Team at Millennium Space Systems are the subject matter experts for all optical systems, encompassing systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and hardware design/test. They provide support for mission engineering related to optical communications terminals (OCT), optical payloads, star trackers, and laser range finders (LRF). The team functions as systems engineers, managing critical interfaces with optical systems. Team members are responsible for modeling mission phenomenology and the detection performance of EO/IR and optical communications payloads, considering spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. They also support the development of mission data processing algorithms. In addition to analysis, the team designs and develops optical hardware, such as star trackers and sensor packages for autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They collaborate closely with manufacturing, providing optical ground support equipment (GSE), software tools, and test support. Millennium is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer with a strong background in spaceborne laser technology. This role will oversee all space laser applications on our programs, ensuring system specifications align with mission needs. The engineer will own mission performance requirements for optical communication terminals, laser rangefinders, and LIDAR systems. They will serve as the primary interface between the optical hardware, the space vehicle team, and the mission data processing team, managing interfaces between these elements. Successful candidates will have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, and calibration of optical hardware. This position's internal job code is Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. The team is currently hiring for a Level 3-4.

Requirements

Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in engineering, physical sciences or computer science and 5 or more years' related work experience; master's degree and 3 or more years' of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience
3 or more years' experience with space-to-space and/or space-to-ground laser communication
1 or more years' experience training and/or mentoring junior team members
Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. secret clearance Post Start is required
Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Level 4: Bachelor's Degree in engineering, physical sciences or computer science and 9 or more years' related work experience; master's degree and 7 or more years' of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience
10+ years of industry experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation.
3 or more years' experience with performance/phenomenology/modeling of space-based laser systems, including rangefinders and LIDAR systems
On-orbit experience in the operation and performance validation of spaceborne laser systems
Ability to develop and maintain a laser link budget
Experience with design, integration, qualification, and test of space-based laser systems, including rangefinders and LIDAR systems
Deep understanding of the state-of-the-art in terms of space-based laser systems
Broad understanding of different laser physics (e.g. fiber laser, semiconductor laser, diode pumped solid state laser, distributed feed back laser, CW vs pulsed laser, visible to SWIR wavelength, etc), their operating principles, their constructions, and/or applications to OCT, LRF, LIDAR.
Perform analysis of alternatives
Active TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for spaceborne laser technology
Design and implement modeling and simulation of laser 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