Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer

Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer – Arnold AFB, Tullahoma, TN

Canvas is seeking a highly skilled and innovative engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced optical diagnostic techniques within the aerodynamic ground test facilities of Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) 716th Test Squadron.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a suite of advanced, non‑intrusive optical diagnostic techniques for wind tunnel applications, including pressure and temperature sensitive paints (PSP/TSP), schlieren, shadowgraphy, background oriented schlieren (BOS), infrared thermography for heat flux and surface temperature measurement, flow visualization (vapor screen, oil flow), particle image/tracking or tagging velocimetry (PIV, etc.), and high‑speed imaging for model attitude and deformation measurement.
• Drive the development of new diagnostic capabilities and analysis tools to advance the state‑of‑the‑art.
• Oversee the design and development of custom diagnostic, instrumentation and software tools.
• Direct the synchronous operation and data fusion from multiple, disparate diagnostic systems.
• Perform in‑depth analysis and correlation of complex test data to deliver a comprehensive data package to test customers and AEDC leadership.
• Lead and participate in test planning, execution, and reporting activities.
• Foster a culture of open communication, technical rigor, and continuous learning within the team.

• Master's in engineering or science discipline with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in an experimental aerodynamics environment, with a strong focus on aerodynamic testing and diagnostics.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a variety of optical diagnostic techniques, particularly PSP, schlieren/BOS, and IR thermography.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage complex test campaigns, and deliver high‑quality data.
• Strong programming skills for data analysis and test automation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing detailed technical reports and presenting findings to customers and leadership.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with additional diagnostic techniques such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), or stereo photogrammetry.
• Familiarity with continuous flow wind tunnel test facilities like those at AEDC.
• Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with camera and networking interfaces.
• Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its use in simulating and analyzing experimental data.
• Demonstrated success in developing and mentoring junior engineers and scientists.
• Expertise in development of data (image) processing software.
• Leadership role on technical committee(s) related to optical diagnostics test techniques.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

• Competitive wages*
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision insurance
• Generous company‑funded basic life insurance
• Company‑funded short‑term & long‑term disability
• 11 paid federal holidays
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Dependent care and medical flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and 100% immediate vesting
• Tuition reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs
• Robust employee assistance program
• Employee referral bonus program
• Corporate sponsored events & community outreach
• Spot awards for exemplary individual performance

Canvas is an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA federal contractor who affords equal employment opportunity to protected veterans and people with disabilities. Canvas has equal employment opportunities that are based upon a candidate's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit our Careers page. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. Canvas is committed to expanding access to employment for people with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, and your disability prevents you from applying, please advise what reasonable accommodation Canvas can provide to assist you in applying for one of our open positions.