Sensor Systems Development Lead

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Join the Advanced Optics Branch at CFD Research and lead the build-out of a new Sensor Systems Development (SSD) team. This role develops and delivers EO/IR sensor systems for defense customers in two modes: packaging advanced metasurface-based optical designs into fieldable hardware, and integrating COTS cameras, embedded processors, and mission computer interfaces into complete sensor packages that mount on platforms. You will be the founding member of SSD, with direct input into hiring, team direction, and business development.

Job Responsibilities/Opportunities

• Design, build, calibrate, and deliver EO/IR sensor hardware – optomechanical packaging of novel optical elements through COTS sensor system integration and performance characterization.
• Design sensor system architectures that connect cameras, embedded processors, and platform interfaces into end-to-end packages.
• Perform or supervise optical assembly and alignment, radiometric calibration, and functional verification of delivered sensor systems.
• Design optomechanical housings, brackets, and enclosures in SolidWorks; specify cable harnesses, connectors, and platform data bus interfaces (CAN, Ethernet, serial).
• Plan and lead outdoor sensor characterization and field test campaigns, including coordination with test ranges at various sites.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities for sensor development and integration services.
• Write proposals, cost estimates, and technical reports for government and prime contractor customers.
• Build and manage the SSD team as it grows, providing technical leadership across optical, mechanical, electrical, and embedded processing disciplines.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8–12 years of experience developing and delivering EO/IR sensor systems, preferably for defense customers.
• Hands-on experience with assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of optical and sensor hardware—alignment, calibration, and characterization.
• Experience integrating COTS EO/IR components (cameras, lenses, gimbals, embedded processors) into working sensor packages.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or Creo for optomechanical design.
• Working knowledge of Zemax OpticStudio – able to read prescriptions and translate optical tolerances into mechanical requirements.
• Experience with platform interfaces: data buses, power distribution, connectors, and integration documentation (ICDs, wiring diagrams).
• Demonstrated ability to lead hardware programs end-to-end: proposal through design, build, test, and delivery.
• Experience with IR sensor systems across different wavebands (visible, SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR).
• Must be a US Citizen and eligible to obtain/maintain a security clearance.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with polarization-based optical systems or diffractive/metasurface optical elements.
• Familiarity with embedded compute platforms (NVIDIA Jetson, Qualcomm, FPGA) from the hardware integration side – power, thermal, and connector requirements.
• Experience designing sensor packages that interface with mission computers to trigger platform-level actions.
• Existing government and prime customer relationships.
• Experience with MIL-STD-810 environmental qualification and MIL-STD-461 EMI/EMC compliance.
• Experience in proposal writing and cost estimation for hardware development contracts.
  
  

Location: This role is based in the Huntsville, AL area, and is 100% onsite at the headquarters location.

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories