Space Imaging Systems Chief Engineer

Eoptic is a leader in advanced imaging and optical systems, delivering multispectral and digital solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. We combine imaging products with software, ML/AIand complex system integration. Our mission is to integrate multi-modal hardware with purpose-built software to deliver actionable data.

Our space business is rapidly scaling from first flight units toward volume production of EO/IR imaging payloads. We are seeking an experienced Space Imaging Systems Chief Engineer to own the technical success of every payload we deliver to orbit.

The Space Imaging Systems Chief Engineer is the technical authority for Eoptic's space imaging payloads, from concept through on-orbit commissioning. This role owns payload architecture, leads the optical, mechanical, electrical and thermal engineering teams, and drives key technical decisions to balance performance, schedule, and cost.

Eoptic is seeking an experienced engineer who has directly contributed to the design, testing, and launch of EO/IR imaging payloads. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience across key elements of payload development, including telescope design, in-house focal plane readout electronics, IR detector integration, alignment, environmental qualification, and production.

This position reports to the VP of Engineering and works closely with the Director of Space Programs. The Director of Space Programs is responsible for program cost, schedule, and customer relationships, while the Space Imaging Systems Chief Engineer owns technical performance and execution.

• Technical authority:
  
  Own the payload system architecture and requirements flow-down from mission needs to subsystem specs. Make the final call on design trades, managing the technical risk register, and approving all technical baselines within program requirements.
• Optical and telescope design:
  Manage the design, tolerancing and stray-light analysis of the telescope and imaging optics, including monolithic and reflective designs for MWIR/LWIR and visible bands.
• Focal plane readout electronics:
  
  Manage development of Eoptic's own readout and camera electronics built directly around the imaging focal plane array. That covers the ROIC interface, bias and clock generation, low-noise analog front ends and ADCs, FPGA-based timing, data formatting and high-speed output, and power conditioning. Drive noise, linearity, dynamic range and frame-rate performance down to the detector level.
• Sensor integration:
  Direct integration and alignment of focal plane assemblies with the telescope. This includes dewar and cryocooler interfaces, cryogenic flex and harnessing, and focus and boresight alignment.
• Radiometric performance:
  
  Define and verify image quality and radiometric budgets (MTF, NETD, SNR, GSD, pointing and jitter). Own calibration methods for non-uniformity correction and on-orbit radiometric calibration.
• Environmental qualification:
  Plan and run thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC and radiation testing. Lead thermal and structural analysis (STOP) to keep focus and alignment stable across operating conditions.
• Design reviews and customer interface:
  Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR and PSR. Serve as the lead technical contact for customers and primes, and support proposals, SOWs and cost/schedule estimates.
• Design for production:
  Move payloads from prototype to repeatable manufacturing. Set alignment, test and acceptance processes that can scale to hundreds of units a year.
• Team leadership:
  Hire, mentor and lead a multidisciplinary engineering team spanning optics, mechanical, and analog, digital and FPGA electronics. Set engineering standards, configuration management and documentation practices.
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