Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is looking for a full time Physics and EO/Infrared Optics SME to support the design, development and testing of the optics components of its prototype broadband infrared beacon, called TerraSTAR. TerraSTAR is a new, four-year development project aimed at improving, fabricating, and deploying a system of geographically dispersed broadband infrared beacons to support remote sensor calibration needs. If you enjoy rapid prototype development, field testing and the idea of supporting the full lifecycle development of a hardware system from design to deployment, join the Riverside Team today!

Responsibilities

• Support the developmental testing of high-temperature emitters for use as the infrared source in the broadband infrared beacon prototype
• Perform research into high-temperature emitter alternatives and their use
• Develop models using optical modeling software (e.g. Zemax) to examine the impact to changes in the existing prototype optics
• Perform lab tests of beacon components to include emitters and parabolic reflectors
• Perform characterization studies of output from the full, fielded prototype
• Refine and implement alignment procedures to endure proper pointing of the beacon
• Support the refinement of engineering code improvements to scripts that remotely operate the power management and pointing of the prototype
• Utilize thermocouples, radiometers, spectrometers and handheld FLIR instruments to gather performance metrics
• Refine existing or develop new test plans for the characterization of components and the completed fielded prototype
• Coordinate with Government Team SMEs regarding the characterization planning and implementation
• Support on-site and field deployment activities of the prototype beacon as needed

Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Optical Science and Engineering, or related field with 7 years of experience
• Proficient with the use of Zemax or similar optical modeling software
• Experience with the design, build and refinement of optical systems
• Experience with electrical power budgets for device control required
• Coding/scripting and data analysis experience required

Desired Qualifications:

• MS in Physics, Optical Science and Engineering or related field with 2 years of experience
• Experience with Matlab a plus
• DoD Secret Security Clearance

Global Comp

$110,000 - $165,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.