Senior Electro-Optical Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Senior Electro-Optical Engineer with Security Clearance
Job B
Date Posted:
January 9, 2026 Space Dynamics Laboratory's (SDL) Civil & Commercial Space Division is seeking a senior 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:

* Develops and applies advanced optical design methods, theories, and research techniques in the investigation and solution of problems in optical design and modeling
* Designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates optical systems
* Performs optical analysis including structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis and 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
* Supports or performs optical image quality testing
* 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
* Authors journal publications and presents at conferences
* May cultivate business development relationships with customers
* Provides technical leadership for 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 field (e.g. optical sciences, optical engineering, optomechanical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics.)
* 15+ years relevant full-time work experience with a bachelor's degree, or 13+ years with a master's degree, or 8+ years with a PhD
* Experience performing optical design and analysis, including STOP analysis, or 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
* 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
* Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and space environment effects of optical systems
* Demonstrated experience engineering, aligning, or testing space-based optical systems
* Understanding of interferometry, tools, and applications
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
* Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds
* Experience writing technical papers and procedures
* Written report and/or first author professional paper generation experience
* Experience collaborating successfully with teams of Engineers
* Demonstrated experience working closely with customers
* Demonstrated experience leading small technical teams to complete projects or proposal efforts
* Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior Engineers

Preferred Qualifications:

* Considered an expert in one or more of the following: optical design, optical alignment, stray light, diffraction, optical testing, and/or calibration of optical systems
* Experienced user of computer aided optical design and modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, OSLO, or FRED
* Experienced user of MATLAB or Python
* Knowledge of radiometry and radiometric modeling principles
* 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 * $134,000 - $168,000
* 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,…