Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer

Canvas Inc.•Tullahoma, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Canvas is seeking a highly skilled and innovative engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced optical diagnostic techniques within the aerodynamic ground test facilities of Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) 716th Test Squadron. As a key technical leader, you will be responsible for designing and executing complex optical diagnostic techniques in the subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic wind tunnels to provide mission-critical data for premier national defense and aerospace programs. This role requires a deep understanding of experimental fluid dynamics, advanced optical measurement systems, and high-fidelity data analysis.

Requirements

Master's in engineering or science discipline, with 10+ years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in an experimental aerodynamics environment, with a strong focus on aerodynamic testing and diagnostics.
Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of optical diagnostic techniques, particularly PSP, Schlieren/BOS, and IR Thermography.
Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage complex test campaigns, and deliver high-quality data.
Strong programming skills for data analysis and test automation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing detailed technical reports and presenting findings to customers and leadership.
Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
Experience with additional diagnostic techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), or stereo photogrammetry.
Familiarity with continuous flow wind tunnel test facilities like those at AEDC.
Strong python programming skills and familiarity with camera and networking interfaces.
Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its use in simulating and analyzing experimental data.
Demonstrated success in developing and mentoring junior engineers and scientists.
Expert on development of data (image) processing software.
Leadership role on technical committee(s) related to optical diagnostics test techniques.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain a suite of advanced, non-intrusive optical diagnostic techniques for wind tunnel applications, including but not limited to: Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paints (PSP/TSP) Schlieren, Shadowgraphy, and Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) Infrared (IR) Thermography for heat flux and surface temperature measurement Flow visualization (Vapor Screen, Oil Flow) Particle Image, Tracking, or Tagging Velocimetry (PIV, etc.) High-speed imaging for model attitude and deformation measurement
Drive the development of new diagnostic capabilities and analysis tools to advance the state-of-the-art.
Oversee the design and development of custom diagnostic, instrumentation and software tools.
Direct the synchronous operation and data fusion from multiple, disparate diagnostic systems.
Perform in-depth analysis and correlation of complex test data to deliver a comprehensive data package to test customers and AEDC leadership.
Lead and participate in test planning, execution, and reporting activities.
Foster a culture of open communication, technical rigor, and continuous learning within the Team.

Benefits

Competitive Wages
Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Generous company-funded Basic Life Insurance
Company-funded Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
11 Paid Federal Holidays
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Dependent Care and Medical Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) retirement plan with company match and 100% immediate vesting
Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs
Robust Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Spot Awards for exemplary individual performance
Discretionary performance-based bonuses