Principal Research Scientist

Intellisense Systems, Inc. innovates what seemed impossible.  We are a fast-growing Southern California technology innovator that solves tough, mission-critical challenges for our customers in the aerospace and defense markets.  We design, develop, and manufacture advanced products for ground, maritime, and airborne applications.  Our products have been deployed in every extreme environment on Earth! 
We are looking for an exceptional Principal Scientist to join our Emerging Technologies team. The team works on cutting-edge technologies to translate modern science achievements into practical developments and designs/ implementations for government customers and DoD applications.
As part of the team, you will work alongside other experienced scientists and engineers to develop novel, cutting-edge solutions to several challenging problems. From creating experiments and prototyping implementations to designing new electro-optics/infrared (EO/IR) systems, you will contribute to transitioning your developments to software and hardware implementations and test your integrated solutions in accordance with project objectives, requirements, and schedules.
Responsibilities:
Technical Design & Development:
 

• Formulate new solutions and write proposals to solve customer problems and lead those projects in a wide area of technological developments.
• Design, develop, and implement novel EO/IR components/devices/systems and applications.
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools to characterize and validate test results of designed systems/devices/components and other processing algorithm/systems developments to contribute to R&D programs.
• Apply your experience and deep understanding of developing designs or prototypes that incorporate hardware (optical, electronics, mechanical) and software (preferably image processing and machine learning) components
• Develop EO/IR and multi-sensor systems using state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies.
• Develop and prototype EO/IR, components, modules, devices, and systems to advance technological capabilities.

Peer Review & Project Support:
 

• Work with government and non-government representatives to ensure the system integration and fielding requirements are understood and addressed.
• Mentor and train junior colleagues, providing guidance and support to resolve technical challenges effectively
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to resolve issues related to the system, hardware, and software development.
• Independently lead the writing and preparation of compelling bids and proposals, leveraging technical expertise to enhance win rates.
• Lead and execute projects as a Principal Investigator (PI) or as a Program Manager (PM), ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• As a PI/PM oversee project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of project activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Technical Skills:
 

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Solid State Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field
• 12+ years’ experience in EO/IR development, optical communication, and imaging/non-imaging hardware optimization.
• Must be able to design, simulate and prototype novel EO/IR components/devices/systems
• Working knowledge of optical/image signal processing algorithms for optical communication and imaging systems, including development, modeling, and simulation
• Must demonstrate proficiency and knowledge in design, test, evaluation, and analysis of algorithms/ hardware prototypes.
• Proven technical leadership skills: Identifies problems, anticipates challenges, and actively devises appropriate solutions.

People & Communication Skills:
 

• Must be able to successfully contribute and lead multiple programs simultaneously, achieving required results on time and within budget
• Ability to present technical concepts and designs to Senior Management and customers.
• Must have excellent technical writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
• Takes initiative and exercises independent judgment in setting & executing goals.
• Ability to plan and collaborate on work assignments with internal groups, collaborators and vendors.
• Ability to make optimal trade-offs in own goals and resources (staff and budget) to help the company achieve its goals. Proactive and anticipates challenges.
• US Citizenship is required; active Secret clearance preferred.

What You Could Expect:
 

• The freedom to take risks, to innovate, and to be rewarded
• Partner with trusting leadership that approaches tasks and requests with urgency
• Deliver products that are continually recognized as industry disruptors

Pay Range:
$150,000-$190,000
However, base salary for this position will vary based on your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Benefits:
 

• Alternative Work Schedule (Alternating Fridays Off)
• Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts 
• Health Savings Accounts
• 4 Weeks PTO a year (including 40 hours of PTO your first day)
• 10 paid holidays 
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with 4% employer matching
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact us by phone at 424-319-7813 or by email at [email protected]

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