Optical Systems Engineer (Senior, Principal) - Millennium Space Systems
Core
Design, model, and validate optical systems for spaceborne electro-optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) sensors, laser rangefinders, and optical communication terminals to support national security missions like missile warning and Earth observation.
Role type
Senior/Principal Optical Systems Engineer (Space Systems)
Builds
Space vehicle interfaces, EO/IR payloads, star trackers, and laser communication systems for direct programs and IRAD efforts.
Domain
Aerospace & Defense / Space Systems / Electro-Optics
Required skills
Optical systems engineering, mission phenomenology modeling, detection performance analysis, ground and on-orbit test execution, supplier performance management, project coordination, budget and schedule tracking, new business proposal support
Preferred skills
Space-to-space and space-to-ground laser communication, team mentorship, satellite optical instrumentation design and operation, optical data processing, link budget development, hardware design integration and qualification
Technologies
EO/IR sensors, Laser rangefinders, Optical Communications Terminals (OCT), Star trackers, Space vehicle interfaces
Responsibilities
Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for EO/IR sensors and laser systems; Design and implement modeling and simulation of optical systems; Develop and execute unit and system level tests on the ground and on-orbit; Manage supplier and partner performance; Manage complex projects by coordinating work statements and tracking budget/schedule; Support large-scale new business proposals
Seniority
Senior/Principal, hands-on IC with significant mentorship responsibilities
