Systems Engineer, Electro Optical, Space

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

As an Electro Optical System Engineer for our Space team, you will facilitate the integration of EO Payloads on our spacecraft platforms from initial concept development through on-orbit execution. A successful candidate will have experience during all phases of payload system engineering including architecture and requirement derivation, performance modeling, design reviews, laboratory testing, spacecraft assembly integration and test, on-orbit initialization, and mission operations. A proven history of interfacing with all disciplines of the engineering, specialty, and program management team to shepherd a payload design to maturity is required. You’ll be expected to clearly communicate risk, issues, and progress with customer representatives and external vendors in a collaborative environment. We are especially seeking candidates with hands-on experience in optical laboratories characterizing and calibrating optical payloads. You will be expected to know how to configure and operate test equipment such as collimators, integrating spheres, interferometers, and other tools. You will work closely with other AI&T professionals and be expected to train others how to also use this equipment. Payloads you will be interacting with include photon detecting imagers from visible through long wave infrared wavebands including CMOS and CCD focal planes, thermal sensors including microbolometers, as well as LiDAR and laser range finders. Experience with state-of-the-art sensing technology such as event based cameras, quantum detectors, and metamaterials is also highly desired.

Requirements

Strong engineering background from industry and school, ideally in areas/fields such as Systems Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
Experience conducting assembly, integration and test of space payload flight hardware with a focus on performance characterization and requirement verification
Deep understanding of professional optical test equipment, tools and methodologies with a tie back to the underlying physics
Experience with advanced payload analyses and laboratory measurements including photon transfer, dark current, radiometry, responsivity, distortion mapping, boresight alignments, non-uniformity corrections, point spread function, modulation transfer function, and more
Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements
Capable of solving complex technical problems with little oversight
Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
Experience writing technical documentation, procedures, and reports
Experience working in cleanroom and ESD-safe environments
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience with ImageJ, Python, MATLAB
Experience with optical test equipment from Labsphere, 4D Technologies, Leica, SORL, and other industry leaders
Experience with stray light, depth of focus, and supplementary payload analyses
Experience with optical modeling in tools such as Zemax or Code V
Experience with RF payload design and testing

Responsibilities

Perform concept designs of active and passive EO payloads
Derive system and unit level requirements
Analyze performance with an in-depth understanding of payload technology and related physics
Identify payload key performance parameters and create test plans and procedures to measure these parameters in a laboratory environment
Perform hands-on characterization and calibration of the radiometric and geometric performance of flight hardware using collimators, integrating spheres, theodolites, laser trackers, interferometers, and other optical test equipment
Train and educate other AI&T professionals to conduct successful payload testing
Work with the external and internal engineering team to author Interface Control Documents (ICD) covering all aspects of payload integration including electrical, data, algorithmic, mechanical, thermal, and optical interfaces
Facilitate communication between mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software teams to resolve complex integration trades and manage technical risk
Define and develop payload data calibration algorithms and data products and work with computer vision and flight software engineers to integrate these algorithms into the processing pipeline
Define on-orbit calibration sequences, initialization procedures, and provide real-time engineering support during nominal operations
Clearly communicate with customers at design reviews and during the entire payload development lifecycle
Assist assembly and integration campaigns for space systems flight hardware
Integrate across numerous teams to collaboratively identify testing requirements to include verification and validation plans
Develop test plans and procedures for prototype, qualification, and acceptance of space systems flight hardware

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.