Job Description

Are you interested in leading the Design and Build of Optical Instruments for Space Exploration?

If so, we may have a role for you.

The Space Science Instrumentation group at APL builds instruments for spacecraft to produce data for scientific research. We're a group of about 60 engineers with expertise that span across all aspects of space instrument production. You will join our team of multi-disciplinary staff including systems, optical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers in conjunction with our companion-group SRX that provides the electronics, FPGA, and software expertise.  Together we design, build, test, and deliver science instruments to spacecraft missions throughout the NASA portfolio – recent missions include instruments for Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and more.

Your primary role will be to lead a design team in the development of optical instrumentation on spacecraft, including cameras, telescopes, spectrometers, and other like instrumentation.  Expertise is required in the fields of optical design, team leadership, and integration and test activities in support of scientific instrument development throughout the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrums.

As a Lead Imaging Systems Engineer you will...

• Lead instrument concept development, proposals, fundamental design, prototyping, detailed design, build, and test activities, culminating with delivery of an instrument to a spacecraft and ongoing technical and operational support.
• Push the envelope for space science instrumentation, detection capabilities, and scientific discovery.
• Work with principal investigators, project management, and lead the engineering team to ensure that each instrument meets science, operational, and interface requirements prior to delivery.
• Present instrument design and status at major reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and PSR.
• Lead the integration team to install and test instruments on spacecraft.
• Provide program support at status meetings and reviews - formal & informal presentations and documentation.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, or related discipline.
• Have 5 years of experience with regard to space system applications, thermal
  vacuum testing and/or optical engineering.
• Have proven experience leading teams in hardware development activities.
• Have experience characterizing and calibrating remote sensing systems in support of the production of scientific data products.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Master of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, or related discipline.
• Have previous optical design experience.
• Have experience leading space instrumentation development teams.

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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