Optical Payload Engineering Lead

Louisville, CO
Full Time
Experienced

We are seeking an experienced Optical Payload Lead Engineer to join our aerospace engineering team. This role maintains knowledge of the overall space-based electro-optical payload, its interfaces, and the concept of operations. It is responsible for cross-functional collaboration within the payload system, which includes the physical optics, sensor electronics, image processing, and reconstruction algorithms. The Payload lead will interface with other spacecraft subsystem leads to address the payload's overall functional, structural, interface, and performance requirements. 

This role focuses on the overall management and execution of the payload subsystem component of the mission architecture, including managing the payload schedule, budget, team of engineers, and subcontractors. The Payload Lead Engineer works with the supply chain to facilitate parts procurement through these contracts. This role designs and assesses payload technologies to meet expanding or emerging customer bases. 

Responsibilities
  • Manage a cross-functional payload team including optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work environment 
  • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the complete electro-optical payload system, its interfaces, operational concepts, and performance characteristics while establishing technical requirements and acceptance criteria for program milestone reviews 
  • Own the entire lifecycle of the payload system, including design, assembly, qualification, integration, launch, and on-orbit operation 
  • Interface with spacecraft subsystem leads to ensure all payload requirements are correctly addressed, creating and maintaining comprehensive requirements traceability matrices and verification plans 
  • Manage the overall execution of the payload subsystem, including developing detailed work breakdown structures, establishing technical performance measures, and tracking progress against baseline plans 
  • Oversee payload development schedule and budget, ensuring timely deliverables, identifying critical path items, and implementing strategies to maintain program milestones 
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks related to the optical payload system by maintaining a detailed risk register, conducting periodic risk assessment reviews, and developing contingency plans with associated trigger criteria  
  • Coordinate with and manage sub-contractors involved in payload development, drafting statements of work, negotiating technical requirements, conducting vendor evaluations, and managing contract deliverables and milestones 
  • Document and communicate payload design decisions through formal technical documentation, regular status reporting, executive briefings, and customer presentations aligned with program management review cycles 
  • Evaluate current and future payload technologies to meet emerging customer bases by leveraging advanced experience in a variety of remote sensing technologies across the aerospace and/or defense industries

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field in remote sensing
  • 10+ years of experience in space or high-altitude reconnaissance electro-optical platforms 
  • 5+ years experience in a leadership role managing technical interdisciplinary teams to develop and deliver electro-optical systems 
  • Direct hands-on experience across multiple payload areas is preferred 
  • Highly experienced in building staffing, cost, and schedule projections and managing a team to deliver integrated hardware 
  • Ability to translate highly complex technical concepts and ideas to a non-technical audience 
  • Proven experience in payload research, development, execution, and imagery products and applications  
  • Adaptable and flexible leadership style enabling rapid pivot with a proactive outlook towards an ever-changing business landscape 

Compensation

  • The anticipated compensation for this position is $150,000-$200,000/yr, depending on previous experience.
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