Optical Payload Engineering Lead

We are seeking an experienced Optical Payload Lead Engineer to join our aerospace engineering team. This role maintains knowledge of the overall spacebased electrooptical payload its interfaces and the concept of operations. It is responsible for crossfunctional 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 payloads 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.

• Manage a crossfunctional payload team including optical mechanical and electrical engineers providing technical guidance mentorship and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the complete electrooptical 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 onorbit 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 subcontractors 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

• Bachelors orMasters degree in Aerospace Engineering Physics Optical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or a related field in remote sensing
• 10 years of experience in space or highaltitude reconnaissance electrooptical platforms
• 5 years experience in a leadership role managing technical interdisciplinary teams to develop and deliver electrooptical systems
• Direct handson 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 nontechnical 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 everchanging business landscape

Compensation

• The anticipated compensation for this position is $150000$200000/yr depending on previous experience.