Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer

Canvas Inc.•Tullahoma, TN

About The Position

Founded in 2007, Canvas connects a passion for going beyond the expected with the knowledge and expertise to deliver what our clients need now and in the future. Canvas has been recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified ™, Fortune Best Small Workplace ™, Fortune Best Workplace for Millennials ™ (2022), Best Place for Working Parents (2022 & 2023), HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Awardee (2021 & 2022), Best Places to Work Awardee, 2019 Government Contracting - Technology Business of the Year, and Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year (2018) by the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce. Canvas was founded by Jami Peyton in 2007 to deliver real-world engineering and technology solutions that strengthen national defense. Since then, we’ve been guided by technical excellence, operational insight, and a shared commitment to the warfighter. Teamwork drives everything we do, enabling close collaboration across programs, customers, and colleagues to solve complex challenges. Our work supports key national security priorities like missile defense, test and evaluation, digital transformation, and warfighter readiness. As an award-winning company built on integrity, agility, and innovation, Canvas continues to grow and deliver mission-critical solutions that support the future of national defense.

Requirements

Master's in an engineering or science discipline, with 10+ years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in an experimental aerodynamics environment, with a strong focus on aerodynamic testing and diagnostics.
Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of optical diagnostic techniques, particularly PSP, Schlieren/BOS, and IR Thermography.
Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage complex test campaigns, and deliver high-quality data.
Strong programming skills for data analysis and test automation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing detailed technical reports and presenting findings to customers and leadership.
Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
Experience with additional diagnostic techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), or stereo photogrammetry.
Familiarity with continuous flow wind tunnel test facilities like those at AEDC.
Strong python programming skills and familiarity with camera and networking interfaces.
Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its use in simulating and analyzing experimental data.
Demonstrated success in developing and mentoring junior engineers and scientists.
Expert on development of data (image) processing software.
Leadership role on technical committee(s) related to optical diagnostics test techniques.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain a suite of advanced, non-intrusive optical diagnostic techniques for wind tunnel applications, including but not limited to: Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paints (PSP/TSP) Schlieren, Shadowgraphy, and Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) Infrared (IR) Thermography for heat flux and surface temperature measurement Flow visualization (Vapor Screen, Oil Flow) Particle Image, Tracking, or Tagging Velocimetry (PIV, etc.) High-speed imaging for model attitude and deformation measurement
Drive the development of new diagnostic capabilities and analysis tools to advance the state-of-the-art.
Oversee the design and development of custom diagnostic, instrumentation and software tools.
Direct the synchronous operation and data fusion from multiple, disparate diagnostic systems.
Perform in-depth analysis and correlation of complex test data to deliver a comprehensive data package to test customers and AEDC leadership.
Lead and participate in test planning, execution, and reporting activities.
Foster a culture of open communication, technical rigor, and continuous learning within the Team.

Benefits

Competitive Wages
Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Generous company-funded Basic Life Insurance
Company-funded Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
11 Paid Federal Holidays
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Dependent Care and Medical Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) retirement plan with company match and 100% immediate vesting
Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs
Robust Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Spot Awards for exemplary individual performance
Discretionary performance-based bonuses