Instrument Engineer IV

About Science and Technology Corporation (STC)

Founded in 1979, Science and Technology Corporation (STC) delivers an extensive range of award‑winning advanced scientific, engineering, and technical support services to the U.S. Government and industry customers. Our proven expertise and experience span scientific research, development, test, and evaluation in areas such as earth and atmospheric sciences, engineering, data science and software engineering. Will you join our world‑class team?

Location:

GREENBELT, MD 20771 (On‑site at NASA GSFC).

Full‑time;
Salary: 105,000 − 125,000.

Security Clearance:
None required.

Science and Technology Corporation (STC) is seeking a Senior Instrument Systems Engineer to provide senior technical leadership in support of the FALCON lidar instrument being developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This position will serve as the subject matter expert for optical etalon calibration and tuning activities supporting development, testing, and operation of the FALCON Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) instrument.

The selected candidate will work closely with the FALCON Optics Team, Instrument Systems Team, Instrument Management Team, and avionics engineers to develop calibration approaches, tuning methodologies, and operational concepts that ensure optimal optical performance throughout instrument development and flight operations.

The FALCON lidar instrument is an Earth Science Directorate‑directed mission designed to leverage heritage AOS ALICAT technologies while adding advanced water vapor measurement capabilities through Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) techniques. FALCON is being developed jointly by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC).

• Lead development of calibration, characterization, and tuning methodologies for optical etalon systems supporting the FALCON lidar instrument.
• Develop and document procedures for laboratory testing, calibration, and performance verification of etalon assemblies and associated optical components.
• Support development of algorithms and control approaches to maintain etalon tuning and synchronization during instrument operations.
• Collaborate with avionics, optics, systems engineering, and instrument management personnel to support implementation of calibration and performance monitoring capabilities.
• Analyze calibration data, instrument performance trends, and optical system behavior to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, and presentation materials for project reviews, technical interchange meetings, and management briefings.
• Provide senior technical guidance and subject matter expertise to the FALCON Optics Team, Instrument Systems Team, and Instrument Management Team.
• Participate in hardware inspections, vendor reviews, and technical evaluations as required to support instrument development activities.

• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting development, calibration, testing, or operation of optical, laser, lidar, spectroscopy, or remote sensing instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience with optical calibration techniques, interferometric systems, etalons, spectroscopic instrumentation, or related precision optical systems.
• Experience developing test procedures, calibration methodologies, and performance characterization approaches for scientific or aerospace instrumentation.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting flight hardware or complex scientific instrument development.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading technical teams.
• Project Management:
  Proven experience managing software or research projects, coordinating across multiple teams, and maintaining development timelines with specific emphasis on instrument calibration.
• Communication & Facilitation:
  Excellent interpersonal skills required to lead focus groups, gather stakeholder requirements, and clearly translate user feedback into actionable tasks for technical teams.
• Programming languages:
  LabVIEW proficiency strongly desired.

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline.

• Paid Time Off:
  Starting at 80 hrs/yr, 11 Federal holidays, 40 hrs/yr Sick Leave.
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer matching contribution.
• Flexible spending account.
• Health savings account.

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.