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Optical Systems Engineer (Early-Career)

Millennium Space Systems
El Segundo, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/24/2026
Company Overview

Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company delivers affordable, high-performance space systems for exacting customers. At Millennium, you will be part of a close-knit team working on exciting technological problems. We work in an open environment where ideas are shared across all disciplines, and there are ample opportunities for advancement based on excellence. Superstars are welcome.

At Millennium, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and innovative, with great opportunities for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Job Summary

The Optical Engineering Team provides all optical systems engineering services to Millennium's direct programs, studies, proposals, and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) efforts. They are systems engineers managing interfaces between the space vehicle and Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) payloads and also Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs). The team models mission phenomenology and detection performance of EO/IR and OCT considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. They also design and develop optical hardware, including star trackers and sensor suites that support autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They determine what on-orbit and ground image processing algorithms should be implemented to support mission requirements. They work closely with mission and systems engineering teams, as well as manufacturing and testing teams to lead payload systems efforts end-to-end.

An Early Career Optical Systems Engineer possesses a background in optical engineering and physics, and preferably spaceborne electro-optical sensor technology (visible to infrared). You will perform optical lab testing to support sensor development for flight missions. You will help define mission performance requirements and model optical system performance for active and passive sensors. You will support the interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team. Successful Optical Systems Engineers have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, calibration, and optical lab testing.

This position's internal job code is Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. Our team is currently hiring for Levels 1-2.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute unit and system level optical tests to verify performance
  • Design and implement system/payload performance modeling and simulation
  • Support trade studies and other forms of analysis to predict system performance
  • Support supplier and partner performance
  • Support internal optical product development
  • Support development and validation of mission and unit level requirements for electro-optical (EO) sensors, associated image processing, and space vehicle interfaces

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences
  • Methodical design, testing, and troubleshooting capabilities
  • Must be versatile and able to perform and manage multiple tasks concurrently
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in optical engineering, physics, or other relevant engineering discipline
  • 2 experience working with space-related optical instrumentation.
  • 2 years experience in satellite design and/or operation
  • Experience with mission requirements flow down to low level EO requirements
  • Experience with performance/phenomenology of EO sensors
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of EO sensors
  • Experience in modeling and simulation of satellite systems
  • Experience with optical end-to-end testing
  • Familiarity with the design, development, and qualification of optical hardware
  • Experience with optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, optical communications terminals, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.
  • Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission-related information
  • Experience managing subcontractors providing optical hardware
  • Experience developing rapid design and models to support proposal efforts
  • Active TS/SCI clearance

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only of what is reasonably expected to be paid for the position. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay-Range

  • Level 1: $70,550 - $103,750
  • Level 2: $85,850- $126,250

Benefits And Perks

Millennium Space Systems offers a very competitive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan.

Before Applying, Please Note

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

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Mandatory Security Clearance and Access Process Disqualifying Criteria

Salary : $70,550 - $126,250

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