Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

Job ID: 5913B
Date Posted: January 9, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory's (SDL) Civil & Commercial Space Division is seeking a senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join 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.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops and applies advanced optical design methods, theories, and research techniques in the investigation and solution of problems in optical design and modeling
• Designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates optical systems
• Performs optical analysis including structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis and tolerance analysis
• Performs optical alignment
• Performs integration and test planning of optical systems
• Develops detailed optical element drawings
• Evaluates vendor capabilities to provide required products or services
• Works with vendors to stay current in fabrication techniques and capabilities
• Vendors sub-contract management including lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings
• Supports or performs optical image quality testing
• Supports system-level testing and verification
• Supports proposals for new optical instrument projects
• Collaborates across engineering disciplines, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, systems, contamination, calibration, and quality
• Interfaces with technical support personnel, Technical Writers, Engineering Technicians, and Program Managers as required
• Authors journal publications and presents at conferences
• May cultivate business development relationships with customers
• Provides technical leadership for more junior-level employees
• May take a leadership role in design reviews and larger proposal efforts

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in an appropriate field (e.g. optical sciences, optical engineering, optomechanical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics.)
• 15+ years relevant full-time work experience with a bachelor's degree, or 13+ years with a master's degree, or 8+ years with a PhD
• Experience performing optical design and analysis, including STOP analysis, or optical alignment of imaging, non-imaging or LASER systems including all optical elements such as mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors, or experience performing optical image quality testing, including wave-front error measurement
• Ability to lead a small team in one or more of the following: optical design, optical alignment, stray light, optical testing, and/or calibration of optical systems
• Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and space environment effects of optical systems

• Demonstrated experience engineering, aligning, or testing space-based optical systems
• Understanding of interferometry, tools, and applications
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds
• Experience writing technical papers and procedures
• Written report and/or first author professional paper generation experience

• Experience collaborating successfully with teams of Engineers
• Demonstrated experience working closely with customers
• Demonstrated experience leading small technical teams to complete projects or proposal efforts
• Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior Engineers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Considered an expert in one or more of the following: optical design, optical alignment, stray light, diffraction, optical testing, and/or calibration of optical systems
• Experienced user of computer aided optical design and modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, OSLO, or FRED
• Experienced user of MATLAB or Python
• Knowledge of radiometry and radiometric modeling principles
• Demonstrated experience with optical component tolerancing, specifying, and external vendor fabrication management
• Demonstrated capability in managing vendor sub-contracts including lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings

Salary Range

• $134,000 - $168,000
  • 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 14 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

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