Senior Optical Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems

Senior Optical Systems Engineer – Millennium Space Systems Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our mission impacts global security, such as missile warning and Earth observation. The Optical Engineering Team provides all optical systems engineering services to Millennium’s direct programs, studies, proposals, and internal research & development (IRAD). They manage interfaces between the space vehicle and electro‑optical (EO)/infrared (IR) payloads and laser system/laser communication payloads. The team models mission phenomenology and detection performance, designs optical hardware (star trackers, sensor suites, etc.), and determines on‑orbit and ground image processing algorithms to support mission requirements. They work closely with mission and systems engineering teams, as well as manufacturing and testing teams, to lead payload systems efforts end‑to‑end. An Optical Systems Engineer must possess a strong background in spaceborne electro‑optical sensor technology (visible to infrared; active and passive). You will oversee optical systems on our programs, ensuring system specifications meet mission needs, own mission performance requirements for remote sensing missions, model detection performance, and serve as the primary interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team. Responsibilities Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for EO/IR sensors, laser systems (laser rangefinders and optical communications terminals), and space vehicle interfaces. Design and implement modeling and simulation of optical systems. Develop and execute unit and system level tests on the ground and on‑orbit to verify performance. Manage supplier and partner performance. Manage complex projects by coordinating work statements, setting and tracking budget/schedule, and measuring technical performance. Support large‑scale new business proposals. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, the physical sciences, or computer science. 7+ years of industry experience in optical engineering. Experience with space‑to‑space and/or space‑to‑ground laser communication. Experience with performance/phenomenology/modeling of space‑based EO sensors. Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. An interim or final U.S. Secret clearance post‑start is required. Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of industry experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation. Ability to train and mentor other team members. On‑orbit experience in the operation and performance validation of optical communication terminals. Ability to develop and maintain an optical communication terminal link budget. Experience with design, integration, qualification, and testing of satellite optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, star trackers, laser rangefinders, etc. Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission‑related information. Active TS/SCI clearance. Benefits and Pay Millennium Space Systems provides a competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and variable compensation opportunities. Eligible employees can enroll in health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid or unpaid time away from work. Pay is based on candidate experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations. Summary pay range: Level 4: $121,000 – $215,000 Level 5: $146,000 – $260,000 Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. The position is located at a facility requiring special access. Applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. Equal Opportunity Employer Millennium Space Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. E‑Verify: This employer participates in E‑Verify (English, Spanish). Right to Work, Applicant Privacy, Request an Accommodation, and other legal statements are not included in this description. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co