Senior Optical Engineer

What You’ll Do:As a senior member in Slingshot’s Research and Development (R&D) technical staff, you will take a lead role advancing Slingshot’s efforts to accelerate the security, safety, and sustainability of space via the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of satellites and space debris. In the specialized optical engineer role, your work will include (i) designing state-of-the-art optical systems for space surveillance applications; (ii) modeling and simulation of optical system performance, including full radiometric trade studies; (iii) analyzing and optimizing optical system performance; and (iv) building calibration, maintenance and test procedures for our optical equipment in coordination with our Field Systems team.Position ResponsibilitiesExecute all position responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot’s core values, mission, and purposeCreate novel optical system designs beyond traditional telescope systems to enable space surveillance capabilities that challenge industry normsUse optics design software (e.g., Zemax) to model system performanceBuild test benches for calibrating and characterizing sensor system performance for both optics (e.g., collimation, spectral transmission, PSF shapes, stray light) and sensors (e.g., quantum efficiency, pixel non-uniformities, read noise, angle of incidence sensitivity)Study system-level and network-level capabilities as they apply to space surveillance, considering radiometric modeling of the sensing system, atmosphere, satellite reflectivity, and the relevant illumination sources.Keep on the cutting edge by exploring non-traditional sensor concepts and optical technologies (e.g., metamaterial lenses and event-based cameras)Develop algorithms and software to help automate and enhance sensor data collection and processingSupport ongoing and future transitions of Slingshot’s products and services to the Slingshot Global Sensor Network (SGSN), space operations centers, and other technology testbedsEngage with customers and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes for their mission-critical needsContribute your expertise and ideas to help shape our products and strategiesPrepare technical reports and briefing materialsRepresent your team and Slingshot to a broader audience through papers and presentations to customers and stakeholdersServe as a technical expert and key contributor to Slingshot’s space surveillance technology development.Lead the successful execution of individual projects, small team projects, and/or product development activitiesShare subject matter expertise through mentoring and training of other staff Take point in writing technical sections of proposals for winning new workLead technical work on larger team efforts including cross-team initiativesIdeate and champion internal research & development activitiesPerform other duties as assigned (to be less than 10% of the responsibilities listed above)Pre-RequisitesMust be a U.S. citizen eligible for government clearancesMinimum RequirementsMaster’s degree in optical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, astronomy, or a related field10+ years of relevant experience, potentially accounting for a record of academic excellence with relevant internship experienceExperience taking optical designs from concept, through software design, prototyping, and fielding.Strong grasp of Zemax or similar optical design softwareAbility to design optomechanical structures for lab prototyping and testingEffective programming skills for building simulations (e.g., Python/Matlab)Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to convey salient details about advanced technology in a compelling manner to both experts and non-experts alikeAbility to travel up to 10% of the time within and outside the United States to support customer engagements, technical exchanges, or sensor installationsTenacious drive to overcome challenges and deliver solutions with excellencePreferred SkillsPh.D. in optical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, astronomy, or a related fieldExperience with space-based optical design and relevant sensing challengesExperience developing algorithms for image analysis or optics calibrationExperience managing thermal expansion in high delta-T environmentsExperience with designing optical systems for arctic climatesAbility to design optomechanical structures for fielding systemsEarly-stage startup experience*These skills are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. You don’t have to meet every qualification listed- if your skills are transferable and you meet the minimum requirements, we encourage you to apply. Location: Fort Collins, CO, USA or remoteClassification: Full time Exempt (learned professional exemption)US-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following U.S. states: AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, and WI. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other U.S. states at this time.Internationally-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following locations: United Kingdom. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other countries at this time.Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for creating a safer, more connected world. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also national origin, citizenship, sex, color, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that is part of one’s identity. All of our employees’ points of view are key to our success, and we embrace individuality.Originally posted on Himalayas

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