The Role
Design, analyze, verify, and test precision optical systems (space-rated cameras, star trackers, laser communications). Perform optical decomposition, stray-light and STOP analysis, radiometric analysis, Zemax optical design, generate manufacturing drawings and test procedures, fabricate test hardware, and support lab/cleanroom integration through build and verification.
Summary Generated by Built In
Voyager Technology Systems is an innovative defense, national security, and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.
We are looking for an Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join our team of designers of cutting-edge components for space and national security applications, including Space Rated Cameras, Star Trackers, and Laser Communications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Image sensor and focal plane array characterization, including CMOS/CCDs and
infrared FPAs - Photon transfer curve analysis and detector noise modeling
- Develop image and data analysis pipelines, automate test execution, and perform data reduction (using Python)
- EO system performance analysis, including signal-to-noise and detector performance budgets
- Design and fabricate test hardware, including star stimulators and collimator sources, to validate star-tracking and pointing algorithms
- Develop and execute sensor characterization test setups using integrating spheres, monochromators, collimators, and blackbody sources
- Perform radiometric and photometric analysis
- EO requirement decomposition, allocation, and verification planning
- Define and maintain EO interfaces and interface control documents
- Development of test plans and procedures
- Support qualification and acceptance testing of high-performance optical sensors
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EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE:
- Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM field and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 4 years of experience
- Industry experience developing, characterizing, or testing imaging, sensing, or electro-optical systems
- Proficiency in Python for test automation, instrument control, data reduction, and analysis
- Hands-on experience characterizing image sensors or focal plane arrays and interpreting detector performance data
- Working knowledge of radiometry, detector physics, and noise/SNR analysis
- Experience developing and executing test plans and procedures for high-performance optical sensors
- Experience with laboratory test equipment and optical sources used for sensor calibration and characterization
- Familiarity with camera electronics and sensor data interfaces
- Willingness to work hands-on in an optics lab and cleanroom environment
- Self-directed person with ability to handle a dynamic work environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Direct experience with space or other high-reliability environment
- Familiarity with star tracker architectures and camera calibration models
- Experience supporting the transition from prototype to high-rate production
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment as well as an individual contributor
- Proficient presentation skills and the ability to work with customers and technicians
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues within cross-functional teams
- Proven track record working with evolving customer requirements
- Experience with infrared (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) or hyperspectral sensing
- Familiarity with radiation effects testing and sensor degradation in space environments
- Familiarity with optical design and analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, FRED)
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be a US person.
- Curious, detail-oriented, and analytical with a proven ability to learn quickly
- Honest, respectful, and Patient
- Ability and willingness to make an impact
- Demonstrated initiative, drive, and interpersonal skills
- Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
The good faith base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $185,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location.
This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future. Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
- Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
- Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
- Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
- Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
- The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment
Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in
Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export
authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in
Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export
authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
Skills Required
- Degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with minimum 7 years relevant experience (or advanced degree +5 years)
- 7+ years industry experience designing and delivering precision imaging or laser optical systems
- Expert-level proficiency in Zemax OpticStudio (sequential design, tolerancing, Monte Carlo, thermal modeling)
- Stray light analysis experience using FRED
- Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis experience
- Optical performance and radiometric analysis
- Experience taking optical designs from concept through tolerancing, drawing release, build, and test
- Experience authoring optical element and assembly drawings and manufacturing/alignment instructions
- Working knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD for opto-mechanical packaging and interface definition
- Proficiency in Python for data reduction, test automation, and analysis
- Ability to design and fabricate test hardware (star stimulators, collimators) and develop optical test plans/procedures
- Willingness to work hands-on in an optics lab and cleanroom environment
- Self-directive with ability to handle a dynamic work environment
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) and eligible for required export authorizations
- Direct experience with space or other high-reliability environment
- Familiarity with CMOS image sensor characterization, star tracker architectures, and camera calibration models
- Experience supporting transition from prototype to high-rate production
- Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation skills, and ability to work with customers and technicians
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues within cross-functional teams
- Proven track record working with evolving customer requirements
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The Company
What We Do
Voyager Space is a space technology company dedicated to building a better future for humanity in space and on Earth and accelerating the development of a sustainable space economy. With nearly 20 years of spaceflight heritage and over 1500 successful missions, Voyager delivers space station infrastructure and services and technology solutions to commercial customers, civil and national security government agencies, academic and research institutions, and more.
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