Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

Space Dynamics Laboratory•North Logan, UT

About The Position

Space Dynamics Laboratory’s (SDL) Civil & Commercial Space Division is seeking a senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our engineering team in the development of space sensor systems operating in the ultra-violet to far-infrared. The selected candidate should have a broad understanding of the design, development, test, and fielding of complex space electro-optical systems. The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

Requirements

Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in an appropriate field (e.g. optical sciences, optical engineering, optomechanical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics.)
15+ years relevant full-time work experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 13+ years with a master’s degree, or 8+ years with a PhD
Experience performing optical design and analysis, including STOP analysis, or optical alignment of imaging, non-imaging or LASER systems including all optical elements such as mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors, or experience performing optical image quality testing, including wave-front error measurement
Ability to lead a small team in one or more of the following: optical design, optical alignment, stray light, optical testing, and/or calibration of optical systems
Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and space environment effects of optical systems
Demonstrated experience engineering, aligning, or testing space-based optical systems
Understanding of interferometry, tools, and applications
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds
Experience writing technical papers and procedures
Written report and/or first author professional paper generation experience
Experience collaborating successfully with teams of Engineers
Demonstrated experience working closely with customers
Demonstrated experience leading small technical teams to complete projects or proposal efforts
Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior Engineers

Nice To Haves

Considered an expert in one or more of the following: optical design, optical alignment, stray light, diffraction, optical testing, and/or calibration of optical systems
Experienced user of computer aided optical design and modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, OSLO, or FRED
Experienced user of MATLAB or Python
Knowledge of radiometry and radiometric modeling principles
Demonstrated experience with optical component tolerancing, specifying, and external vendor fabrication management
Demonstrated capability in managing vendor sub-contracts including lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings

Responsibilities

Develops and applies advanced optical design methods, theories, and research techniques in the investigation and solution of problems in optical design and modeling
Designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates optical systems
Performs optical analysis including structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis and tolerance analysis
Performs optical alignment
Performs integration and test planning of optical systems
Develops detailed optical element drawings
Evaluates vendor capabilities to provide required products or services
Works with vendors to stay current in fabrication techniques and capabilities
Vendors sub-contract management including lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings
Supports or performs optical image quality testing
Supports system-level testing and verification
Supports proposals for new optical instrument projects
Collaborates across engineering disciplines, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, systems, contamination, calibration, and quality
Interfaces with technical support personnel, Technical Writers, Engineering Technicians, and Program Managers as required
Authors journal publications and presents at conferences
May cultivate business development relationships with customers
Provides technical leadership for more junior-level employees
May take a leadership role in design reviews and larger proposal efforts