Optical Systems Engineer; Early-Career El Segundo, CA

Company Overview

Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company delivers affordable, high-performance space systems for exacting customers. At Millennium, you will be part of a close-knit team working on exciting technological problems. We work in an open environment where ideas are shared across all disciplines, and there are ample opportunities for advancement based on excellence. Superstars are welcome.

At Millennium, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that is welcoming, respectful, and innovative, with great opportunities for professional growth. Find your future with us.

The Optical Engineering Team provides all optical systems engineering services to Millennium's direct programs, studies, proposals, and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) efforts. The team manages interfaces between the space vehicle and Electro‑Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) payloads and also Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs). They model mission phenomenology and detection performance of EO/IR and OCT considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor.

They also design and develop optical hardware, including star trackers and sensor suites that support autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They determine on‑orbit and ground image‑processing algorithms to support mission requirements, working closely with mission and systems engineering teams, manufacturing, and testing teams to lead payload systems end‑to‑end.

An Early Career Optical Systems Engineer possesses a background in optical engineering and physics, and preferably spaceborne electro‑optical sensor technology (visible to infrared). You will perform optical lab testing to support sensor development for flight missions, define mission performance requirements, model optical system performance for active and passive sensors, and support the interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team.

Successful candidates have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, calibration, and optical lab testing.

Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. Team is hiring for Levels 1‑2.

• Develop and execute unit and system level optical tests to verify performance
• Design and implement system/payload performance modeling and simulation
• Support trade studies and other forms of analysis to predict system performance
• Support supplier and partner performance
• Support development and validation of mission and unit level requirements for electro‑optical (EO) sensors, associated image processing, and space vehicle interfaces

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences
• Methodical design, testing, and troubleshooting capabilities
• Versatile and able to perform and manage multiple tasks concurrently
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required). Post‑Start U.S. Top Secret clearance required.

• Advanced degree in optical engineering, physics, or other relevant engineering discipline
• 2+ years experience working with space‑related optical instrumentation
• 2+ years experience in satellite design and/or operation
• Experience with mission requirements flow down to low‑level EO requirements
• Experience with performance/phenomenology of EO sensors
• Experience with modeling and simulation of EO sensors
• Experience in modeling and simulation of satellite systems
• Experience with optical end‑to‑end testing
• Familiarity with the design, development, and qualification of optical hardware
• Experience with optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, optical communications terminals, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.
• Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission‑related information
• Experience managing subcontractors providing optical hardware
• Experience developing rapid design and models to support proposal efforts
• Active TS/SCI clearance

• Level 1: $70,550 - $103,750
• Level 2: $85,850 - $126,250

Millennium Space Systems offers a very competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan.

Millennium is DDTC‑registered and ITAR‑compliant. The position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, eligible for a security clearance, and willing to apply for and maintain a clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

As set forth in Millennium Space Systems’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.