Modeling and Simulation Electro-Optical Engineer

Job ID: 19232

The Space Dynamics Laboratory is seeking an experienced Modeling and Simulation Electro-Optical Engineer to support the development of a synthetic scene/image generation application for space flight programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in radiometric modeling, experience with visible and infrared imaging sensors, sensor system design and testing, as well as programming and software development. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of the design, development, testing, and operation of a software modeling package in support of spaceflight electro-optical sensor systems.

Intermediate and senior level positions are being considered.

At SDL, we take pride in and highly value our employees. SDL offers competitive salaries and fantastic benefits, including:

• Flexible work schedules that fit your style; every Friday off, every other Friday off, or simply traditional hours
• Generous paid leisure and sick leave, ensuring you never miss a special event
• Favorable company locations with average commute times of less than 15 minutes
• High-quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
• A 14.2% employer retirement contribution into a 401(a) account-no matching required
• Utah State University undergraduate tuition discounts of 50%, full reimbursement for graduate tuition, and free course audits for employees and dependents meeting eligibility requirements
• A highly educated team that works together to solve some of the most fascinating problems on (and off) our planet
• We are a growing company that maintains both a family feel and high retention rate with high job satisfaction
• Relocation assistance available for most positions

• Radiometric/photometric modeling of EO sensors in both the visible and infrared spectrum
• Evaluating designs against mission requirements
• Leading, organizing, and conducting trade studies, design analyses, and engineering analyses/studies
• Independent evaluation of other vendor concepts, designs and performance
• Reducing mission concepts to fundamental elements that can be expressed as requirements
• Communicating effectively through written reports and presentations
• Creating and maintaining technical documentation (ICDs, ADDs, procedures, reports, etc.)
• Maintaining technical relationships with internal and external customers, technical staff, and management
• Representing SDL at forums and meetings (Some travel may be required)
• Pre- and post-launch Calibration/Characterization of EO systems in areas such as non-uniformity, linearity, distortion/line-of-site mapping, bad pixel replacement, and absolute responsivity

• BS degree in a related technical field (e.g. physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering or field related to remote IR sensing)
• 6+ years of experience with EO/IR Systems
  • 6+ years with a BS
  • 4+ years with a MS
  • APhD
• Experience in radiometric modeling of EO/IR systems
• Expertise with C++ and MATLAB and/or Python
• Experience with GLSL, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar computer graphics frameworks
• Strong understanding of optical principles and systems
• Ability to lead, organize, and conducting trade studies, design analyses, and engineering analyses/studies
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams of mechanical, electrical, optical, electro-optical, software, and AI&T engineers
• Maintain technical relationships with internal and external customers, technical staff, and management
• Participate in technical interchange meetings and reviews
• Excellent communication skills
• Must be able to travel occasionally
• Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a US government security clearance

• Post-graduate degree in a related technical field (e.g. physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering or field related to remote IR sensing)
• 10+ years of experience with EO/IR Systems
• Experience with scene generation models such as SSGM, FLITES, ASSET, DIRSIG, or JSIG
• Experience in using atmospheric radiative transfer models such as MODTRAN or equivalent to predict sensor performance in real world conditions
• In-depth experience with electro-optical sensor design, systems requirements, and subsystems
• Proficiency understanding requirements, flowing down requirements, tracking requirements and verification of requirements
• In-depth experience with visible and infrared detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, HgCdTe, etc.)
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams of mechanical, electrical, optical, electro-optical, software, and AI&T engineers
• Experience with spaceflight instrument/sensor development and testing
• Experience with proposal development
• Experience with programming in C/C++, Python, or MATLAB
• Understanding of space environment for spaceflight sensors
• Understanding of risks and risk mitigations for spaceflight sensors

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

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

EOE including Disability and Vet