Instrument Engineer IV

Job Title

Instrument Engineer IV

Location

GREENBELT, MD 20771 US (Primary)

Category

Engineering, General Laborer

Job Type

Full-Time

Compensation Minimum (USD)

$100,000

Compensation Maximum (USD)

$125,000

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Citizenship Status Required

U.S. Citizen

Security Clearance Required

None

Job Description

About Science and Technology Corporation (STC): 
Founded in 1979, Science and Technology Corporation (STC) provides award-winning scientific, engineering, and technical services to U.S. Government and industry partners. We are dedicated to advancing our customers’ missions through innovation, trusted partnerships, and science-driven engineering excellence. With integrity and precision, we deliver reliable solutions that make a real impact. At STC, we invest in our employees’ growth, well-being, and success—fostering a culture of respect, trust, and empowerment. Join our world-class team and help shape the future of science and technology. 

• Employment Category: Full-Time 
• Location: Greenbelt, MD – On-site & Field Missions 
• Travel: Occasional (mission support required) 
• Security Clearance: None 
• Citizenship: Requires U.S. Citizenship 
• Salary: $105,000 - $125,000

Job Description: 

Science and Technology Corporation (STC) is seeking a highly experienced Instrument Engineer IV to serve as the Instrument Systems Lead supporting NASA’s FALCON lidar mission at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This is a senior-level role providing systems engineering leadership for a next-generation space-based lidar instrument designed to advance atmospheric science measurements, including aerosol, cloud, and water vapor profiling. 

The selected candidate will lead instrument systems engineering activities across the full development lifecycle, working closely with NASA scientists, engineers, and mission partners at GSFC and Langley Research Center (LaRC). This role requires deep expertise in spaceflight instrument development, systems integration, and technical leadership. 

ATMOS is a NASA support services contract that provides advanced scientific, engineering, and technical expertise to enable Earth and space science missions. The program supports research, data analysis, technology development, and mission operations across multiple NASA centers. Through ATMOS, our teams deliver innovative solutions that help advance NASA’s mission and expand scientific discovery. 

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Serve as Instrument Systems Lead for the FALCON lidar instrument, providing overall technical leadership and systems engineering direction  
• Lead development, management, and verification of instrument requirements and system architecture  
• Guide the instrument systems team in developing and maintaining key systems engineering products (e.g., system diagrams, verification plans, technical documentation)  
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment between instrument design, performance, and mission requirements  
• Support instrument integration, testing, and verification activities, including development of test procedures and evaluation of results  
• Prepare and present materials for technical reviews, design reviews, and program milestones  
• Provide technical support and coordination with the Mission Systems Engineer (MSE) and Instrument Management team  
• Conduct hardware and documentation inspections, including site visits to vendors and partner facilities as needed  
• Contribute to resolution of technical issues and ensure adherence to project schedules and performance requirements 

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Optics, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred) 
• 10 years of experience in spaceflight or airborne instrument systems engineering, design, and integration 
• Demonstrated experience in instrument systems engineering leadership roles  
• Strong knowledge of remote sensing instruments, particularly lidar or optical systems (highly desired)  
• Experience with requirements development, system integration, and verification/validation processes  
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinate across organizations  
• Experience supporting NASA or similar government spaceflight programs strongly preferred  
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present at technical reviews and interact with senior stakeholders 

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.