Mid-Level Electro-Optical Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Mid-Level Electro-Optical Engineer with Security Clearance
Job A
Date Posted:
January 7, 2026 Space Dynamics Laboratory's (SDL) Civil & Commercial Space Division is seeking a mid-level 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.

Key Responsibilities:

* Designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates optical systems
* Performs optical analysis including 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
* Performs optical metrology
* 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
* Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior Engineers
* May take a leadership role in design reviews and larger proposal efforts

Required Qualifications:

* Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a 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)
* 5-14 years relevant full-time work experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3-12 years with a master's degree, or 0-8 years with a PhD
* Experience performing optical design and analysis, or experience performing 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
* Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and space environment effects of optical system
* Understanding of interferometry, tools, and applications
* Knowledge of radiometry and radiometric modeling principles
* Demonstrated strong work ethic and integrity
* Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
* Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds
* Experience writing technical papers and procedures
* Ability to effectively work both individually and within a team environment
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
* Ability to lead small teams to complete projects or proposal efforts
* Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior Engineers

Preferred Qualifications:

* 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
* Experienced user of computer aided optical design and modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or FRED
* Experienced user of MATLAB or Python
* 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 Salary Range * $97,500 - $140,500
* Salary commensurate based on education and 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…