Optical Payload Engineer

Tomorrow.io

Location

Golden, Colorado, United States

Posted

1 month ago

Department

Space & Sensors

Salary

$150-180k

What they actually want (must-haves)

4-7+ years of hands-on engineering experience developing, integrating, testing, or operating EO/IR, imaging, optical payload, airborne sensing, or comparable electro-optical systems
Strong fundamentals in imaging system performance, including detector behavior, radiometry, signal-to-noise ratio, MTF, and image-quality concepts
Experience with one or more of the following: imaging sensors, detectors, optical assemblies, electro-optical hardware, focal plane systems, or optical payload subsystems
Working knowledge of optical performance characterization, calibration, and validation
Understanding of image-quality and noise contributors including detector noise, stray light, thermal effects, structural stability, and jitter
Familiarity with performing or reviewing SNR calculations and image-quality or performance budgets

Nice to have

Exposure to optical alignment, radiometric calibration, environmental testing, or analysis of payload test data
Familiarity with environmental qualification concepts for spacecraft, aerospace, or similarly demanding engineered systems
Awareness of spacecraft-level considerations including thermal distortion, radiation effects on detectors and electronics, structural stability, vibration, jitter, and platform-generated disturbances

What the job really is

As an Optical Payload Engineer at Tomorrow.io, you will be responsible for the development, integration, and verification of electro-optical and infrared payloads for a weather observation constellation. Your role will involve translating mission objectives into technical requirements, conducting performance analyses, and collaborating with various teams throughout the payload lifecycle from design to on-orbit operations.

Benefits

Anticipated salary range of $150-180k
Comprehensive health benefits
Unlimited paid time off
Relocation assistance may be offered/available for certain roles

Things to weigh

Position requires access to technology controlled under U.S. export control laws, restricting applicants to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and protected individuals
No specific details on the company's technology stack or tools used in the role are provided

Job score4/5

Benefits2/5

Freshness4/5

Career value4/5

Role clarity5/5

Pay transparency5/5

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