Mid-Level Radiometric Calibration Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Mid-Level Radiometric Calibration Engineer with Security Clearance
Job A
Date Posted:
January 7, 2026 Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a mid-level Radiometric Calibration Engineer, Electro-Optical Systems Engineer, or Instrument Scientist to perform pre-launch system-level test and calibration of electro-optical sensors on space flight sensor programs for the Civil & Commercial Space Division. 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:

* Develops optical sensor test and calibration plans and data collection procedures
* Analyzes data from optical sensor calibration tests and assists in the reporting and presenting of test data
* Develops and recommends optical sensor calibration approaches for new or improved processes
* Develops and applies advanced methods, theories, and measurement techniques in the investigation and solution of complex optical sensor calibration problems
* Develops new hardware to test and calibrates optical sensors
* May evaluate vendor capabilities to provide required products or services
* Conducts complex tests and investigations
* Supports proposals for new optical sensor 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
* May provide technical leadership to more junior-level employees
* 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 US Government Security Clearance
* Bachelor's or advanced degree in an appropriate technical field (e.g. optical engineering, electrical engineering, optical sciences, physics, applied physics, engineering physics, or related technical field)
* 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 with one or more of the following: radiometric calibration, Fourier transform spectrometers, black bodies, optical alignment test equipment, theodolites, optical wavefront interferometers, optical radiation detectors, measurement techniques used to quantify sensor response linearity, other measurement techniques, or equipment specific to electro-optical sensor calibration
* Experienced user of MATLAB, Python, or other technical software used for data analysis
* Interdisciplinary familiarity with electro-optical systems, including optical, electrical, software, thermal, and mechanical disciplines
* Demonstrated strong work ethic and integrity
* Familiarity with the test and calibration of optical systems
* Familiarity with operation of vacuum chambers and cryogenics
* Technical experience and understanding of passive remote sensing and metrology
* Familiarity with radiometry and radiometric modeling principles
* Knowledge of data acquisition techniques, software, and instrumentation
* Str Miong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
* Strong verbal and written communication skills with proven experience giving technical presentations
* Ability to report and author professional papers
* 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:

* Experience with the planning phase of an electro-optical sensor calibration program including planning tests and/or writing data collection procedures
* Experience with the test execution phase of an electro-optical…