Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Job ID: 9991
Date Posted: November 2, 2026
At the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), we don’t just build sensors; we shape the future of space exploration. We are looking for an Experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division in leading development and testing of visible and infrared imaging sensor systems for space flight programs. If you have a passion for physics, a knack for data, and a desire to see your work launch into orbit, we want to hear from you.
SDL is seeking an Electro-Optical Systems Engineer (EOSE) to join our Strategic & Military Space Division. The selected candidate will serve as a technical authority bridging optical physics, sensor architecture, and space systems engineering. In this high-impact, interdisciplinary role, you will lead and support the architecture, design, modeling, integration, and calibration of advanced visible and infrared (EO/IR) payloads for military and civil space applications. The selected candidate will collaborate directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software) and brief external Government sponsors throughout all phases of the program lifecycle, from concept development to flight hardware delivery.
The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the electro-optical payload subsystem across formal milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Prepares review packages, establishes and maintains technical performance measures (TPMs), manages requirements traceability artifacts, and resolves programmatic action items
• Develops and applies advanced optical design methods, radiometric/photometric models, and trade studies to solve complex problems in VIS/IR sensor performance, stray light mitigation, and image processing
• Leads and executes complex optical alignment, benchtop integration, ambient testing, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) calibration campaigns for visible, short-wave, mid-wave, and long-wave infrared flight payloads
• Writes, maintains, and executes automated data reduction pipelines in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, sensor characterization, and image quality analysis
• Serves as a primary technical representative in customer briefings, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and progress reviews, clearly communicating complex technical risks, performance models, and test results
• Provides work leadership, mentorship, and career development support for junior and mid-level engineers
• Leads interdisciplinary teams in proposal efforts, concept studies, and architecture trades for small- to mid-sized space programs
• Documents innovation through technical papers, conference presentations (e.g., SPIE, AAS), and internal research and development (IRAD) reports to advance laboratory capabilities

• Must have a bachelor’s or advanced degree in physics, optical engineering, astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline with:
  • Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant industry/research experience OR
  • Master’s degree and 8+ years of relevant industry/research experience OR
  • PhD and 4+ years of relevant industry/research experience
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Advanced proficiency in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, automated image processing, and radiometric pipeline development
• Core mastery of visible and thermal infrared physics (e.g., Planck’s Law, blackbody calibration sources, detector noise characteristics, radiometric measurement budgets)
• Demonstrated understanding of optical system behavior under thermal, mechanical, structural, and space environment constraints (TVAC, radiation, jitter, outgassing)
• Demonstrated capability to take technical ownership in one or more core EO domains: optical architecture, stray light/diffraction analysis, precision optical alignment, or flight hardware calibration
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities, and delivering under schedule pressure
• Willingness and ability to travel as required to support integration, testing, and customer reviews (typically <15%)
   

• PhD in physics, optical engineering, astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Direct experience characterizing or integrating visible and infrared detector focal plane assemblies (CCD, CMOS, InSb, HgCdTe, microbolometers)
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard optical modeling software (Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, CODE V, or OSLO) for optical design, stray light analysis, and Narcissus effect analysis
• Prior experience driving flight instrument hardware through build, TVAC test, and delivery phases within a NASA, DoW, or national laboratory environment
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles, Cost Account Management (CAM), or a willingness to learn these skills and oversee technical cost/schedule baselines in partnership with program managers
   

• $126,000 - $200,000
  • 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, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our  Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.