Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Job

Date Posted:
March 31, 2026

At the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), we are driven by innovation and fueled by the passion of our employees. We are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to play a pivotal role in the design, development, and testing of visible and infrared imaging sensor systems for space flight programs in our Strategic & Military Space Division.

As a Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer, you will:

* Develop cutting edge electro-optical sensor systems for military space applications.

* Perform technical trades, develop requirements, ensure requirements are met, and collaborate with program management to deliver innovative solutions.

* Lead the design, integration, testing, and delivery of visible and infrared imaging sensor systems for space applications.

* Drive technical progress and execution of electro-optical sensor systems programs.

* Develop system requirements and ensure seamless integration of payload systems.

* Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and AI&T engineers, to deliver high-performance electro-optical payloads.

This role is unique in its interdisciplinary nature, combining Systems Engineering expertise with specialized knowledge in electro-optical payloads. The selected candidate will be at the forefront of innovation, bridging the gap between engineering disciplines to deliver cutting-edge solutions for space missions.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities.

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in a related technical field (e.g., electro-optical systems engineering, optical science, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics)

* 10+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, or 8+ years of relevant experience and a master's degree, or 4+ years of relevant experience and a PhD degree

* Experience with spaceflight EOIR instrument development and testing

* Strong understanding of optical principles and systems

* Experience with visible and infrared imaging detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, Hg Cd Te , etc.)

* Experience with radiometric modeling of electro-optical sensor systems in both the visible and the infrared spectrum

* Experience leading, organizing, and conducting trade studies, design analyses, and engineering analyses/studies to derive requirements for electro-optical sensor system designs

* Experience leading interdisciplinary teams of mechanical, electrical, optical, electro-optical, software, and AI&T engineers

* Ability to maintain technical relationships with internal and external customers, technical staff, and management

* Willingness to participate in technical interchange meetings and reviews

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills

* Willingness to travel as needed

* Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

* Master's degree or PhD in a related technical field (e.g., electro-optical systems engineering, optical science, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics)

* In-depth experience with electro-optical sensor design, systems requirements, and subsystems design for space applications

* Proficiency understanding requirements, flowing down requirements, tracking requirements and verification of requirements

* Advanced experience with visible and infrared imagining detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, Hg Cd Te , etc.)

* Experience with proposal development and understanding of space environment for spaceflight sensors

* Knowledge of risks and risk mitigations for spaceflight sensors

* Salary Range
* $120,500 - $175,500

* Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

* SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting…