Principal Optical Engineer, Space

WHY WE’RE HERE

 
As a Principal Optical Engineer for our Space team, you own the understanding and design of all satellite optical systems to include but not limited to visible electro-optical and infrared systems. You will be responsible for possessing deep knowledge on the design, manufacturing, testing and operational capabilities of EO/IR systems able to meet mission level requirements. You will be responsible for systems which include unique Anduril technologies as well as complimentary 3rd party systems and delivering the overall EO/IR systems against earth remote sensing, space domain awareness and other mission threads as needed to grow and support the Space business line at Anduril. The Principal Optical Engineer on the Space team will work closely with the Anduril Imaging team to deliver unique Medium Wave and Long Wave Infrared (MWIR/LWIR) payload systems as well as derive the Anduril EO/IR roadmap for supporting future captures. This role will also work closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, ground, and flight software, etc., to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities but above all else will be responsible for the successful design, test and operations of the various optical systems onboard Anduril’s fleet of spacecraft
This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril’s Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Own the spacecraft optical subsystems for various spacecraft programs in all orbital regimes
• Provide single point of contact to the Anduril Imaging team to deliver MWIR/LWIR payload systems
• Provide the technical roadmap for optical system development for the space team leveraging Anduril unique technologies and 3rd party sensors
• Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
• Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
• Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems.
• Work with other teams and government agencies to achieve the required licenses (NOAA, etc) and comply with regulations for operating spacecraft

CORE REQUIREMENTS

• Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or other engineering degree.
• Experience conducting spacecraft operations utilizing EO/IR systems with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime.
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
• Experience with EO/IR systems design for remote sensing and space situational awareness in multiple orbital regimes
• Ability to distill mission level requirements down to payload systems to achieve mission success
• Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight.
• Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material.
• Must be eligible to obtain and hold and US DoD security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, TS with SCI).

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Experience with Python, Matlab, Go, Zemax C++ and/or Linux systems
• A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain.
• Experience testing optical subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints
• Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios
• Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits

BENEFITS 

• Platinum Benefits: We offer top tier platinum coverage (medical, dental, vision, life) and cover 100 percent of the premiums for you.
• 16 Weeks paid parental leave for all caregivers
• Family planning: We’re proud to offer comprehensive family planning support. Fertility planning and treatment, adoption support, gestational carrier support and fertility preservation are all included.
• Unlimited Provisions: From breakfast to dinner, our kitchen team has you covered with healthy meals and snacks at every office.
• Commuter benefits depending on region
• Relocation assistance
• Unlimited and Incentivized Time Off