Electro-Optical Engineer | Space Dynamics Laboratory

POC and request an interview: Kory Jenkins

Job ID 14941

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an electro-optical engineer to augment our engineering team in the development of space sensor systems operating in the ultra-violet to far-infrared. The selected candidate should have a broad understanding of the design, development, test, and fielding of complex space electro-optical systems.

Specific Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Optical design with Zemax and CODEV
• Optical analysis including STOP analysis, tolerance analysis, and thermo-optical analysis of imaging systems
• Optical alignment, integration and test planning of optical systems
• Detailed optical element drawings
• Work with vendors to stay current in fabrication techniques and capabilities
• Optical test including WFE, line of site alignment, position, spot size, focus, vignetting,
• Support system level testing and verification
• Vendor sub-contract management including lens/mirror fabrication and optical coatings
• Support proposals for new optical instrument projects
• Working closely with other engineers encompassing a broad range of disciplines (mechanical, thermal, electrical, systems, contamination, calibration, quality)

Required Qualifications: 

• BS in an appropriate field (i.e. Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Physics) and 3 years of experience engineering or testing optical instruments or an advanced degree MS or PhD.
• Experience supporting optical design with alignment and manufacturing error budgeting methods, theories, and research techniques in the investigation and solutions of electro-optical problems
• Experience with optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging, non-imaging or LASER systems including all optical elements (mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors)
• Understanding of basic optical test methods including WFE, line-of-site alignment, position, spot size, focus, vignetting
• Experience writing technical papers and procedures
• Experience supporting system level testing and verification
• Understanding of interferometry, tools, and applications
• Successful working with and collaborating with teams of engineers
• Communicates clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds
• Creative thinker and problem-solver
• Must be a US citizen
• Willing to travel to support programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in electro-optical system design and analysis
• MS in an appropriate field (i.e. Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Physics)
• Experience with optical element inspection including index of refraction, surface roughness, BRDF, reflectance, Scratch/Dig, and contamination
• Demonstrated capability in managing vendor sub-contracts including lens/mirror fabrication and optical coatings
• Demonstrated capability in design, analysis, and calibration of optical instruments
• High level of understanding of thermal, mechanical, and space environmental effects on optical systems

• Expert user of Matlab, Zemax, CODE V, or FRED
• Electro optical system performance data processing

• Demonstrated capabilities with the following:
  - Space optical systems
  - Optical alignment & metrology with interferometers, laser trackers, and theodolites

- Optical component tolerancing, specifying, and external vendor fabrication management

- Writing technical reports, presentations, plans, & procedures

- Working closely with customers

- Leading small technical teams

About SDL: SDL has been solving the technical challenges faced by the military, science community, and industry since 1959. SDL works with the Department of Defense and industry in defending and protecting our nation as well as supporting NASA’s vision to “reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind.” SDL’s solutions include improved data gathering and analysis tools for all branches of the military and powerful remote and in situ sensing solutions—with an emphasis in electro-optical sensing in the near UV to far IR. SDL offers flexible work schedules and competitive salaries and benefits. As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), SDL also offers unique benefits, such as company contribution of 14.2% of annual gross earnings for retirement for exempt staff and discounted USU tuition of 50% for employees and dependents.

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

EOE including Disability and Vet