Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer will play a key role in architecting, designing, integrating, and testing advanced electro-optical payloads for a cutting-edge space-based intelligence platform. This position focuses on developing new imaging payload concepts, defining integration and test strategies, and supporting instruments from ground testing through on-orbit commissioning and long-term characterization and calibration. You will collaborate closely with payload, constellation, image processing, and satellite operations teams to optimize payload performance across the full satellite lifecycle, while also leading the development of a new optical test facility dedicated to these next-generation payloads.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive integration, requirements verification, and test strategies for electro-optical payloads to ensure robust performance from ground testing through on-orbit operations.
• Design, develop, and maintain optical and sensor test facilities, including the setup and configuration of optical test benches and related infrastructure.
• Conduct detailed payload testing and work closely with production teams to support the integration of payloads onto satellites, resolving technical issues and ensuring smooth handoffs.
• Partner with engineering, program management, and production teams to drive comprehensive, efficient, end-to-end validation of payloads from test planning through design and execution.
• Define requirements for, and oversee the design and build of, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and other test infrastructure needed to support payload integration and verification.
• Support the development of new electro-optical payload architectures and concepts, contributing to system-level trade studies and technology strategy.
• Simulate and analyze new sensors, optical designs, and phenomenologies to support research and development activities and inform long-term technical strategy.
• Develop detailed optical system requirements for new payload designs within a structured, systematic requirements framework.
• Provide technical assistance and oversight for the design, procurement, and integration of optical components and subsystems, ensuring alignment with performance and interface requirements.
• Support the characterization and commissioning of orbital imaging systems, including the development and execution of on-orbit test plans.
• Evaluate on-orbit imaging system performance, compare results with ground-based predictions, and refine test methodologies and performance prediction models based on observed data.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support payload engineering, testing, and integration objectives.

Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of experience in technical engineering roles involving the specification, modeling, design, integration, and/or testing of imaging or non-imaging optical systems and associated components or subsystems, with particular emphasis on testing space-based optical systems.
• Bachelor"s degree in optical engineering, physics, or another relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience through four additional years in a related engineering field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with typical optical test and metrology instrumentation and practices, such as interferometers, theodolites or laser trackers, and optical alignment tools.
• Proficiency in at least one computer programming language with a focus on numerical or technical computing for modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• Strong technical understanding of the physics of optical image formation and associated detector phenomenology, particularly in the visible and infrared spectral bands.
• Proficiency in radiometry and in defining and interpreting optical imaging and detection figures of merit, as well as in optical system performance modeling, estimation, and simulation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop concise, clear specifications for optical systems within a well-defined, systematic requirements framework.
• Familiarity with satellite and payload interfaces, concepts of operations (CONOPs), and related systems engineering practices.
• Experience with electro-optical payloads, imaging systems, and satellite payload engineering, including testing, calibration, and performance evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with optical test, metrology, and calibration activities in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency or experience with numerical and technical programming tools commonly used in optical system analysis and simulation.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams involved in payload design, integration, and operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field such as optical engineering, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Direct experience with spaceborne optical remote sensing systems, including design, integration, and performance characterization.
• Direct experience in focal plane array design and engineering, including detector selection, performance analysis, and integration considerations.
• Direct experience in satellite radiometric, spatial, and spectral calibration, both on the ground and on orbit.
• Proficiency with numerical and technical programming in Python for modeling, simulation, and data processing related to optical payloads.
• Familiarity and experience with a technical discipline complementary to optics, such as mechanical, thermal, or electrical engineering, to support multidisciplinary payload design and integration.
• Experience with satellite payload and spacecraft systems, including understanding of mechanical and thermal constraints that impact payload performance.
• Strong knowledge of visible and infrared imaging systems, including system-level design and performance trade-offs.
• Experience in optical performance estimation and simulation, including the development and validation of analytical and numerical models.
• Experience writing detailed technical specifications and requirements for complex optical systems and payloads.
• Familiarity with satellite concepts of operations (CONOPs) and system interfaces, enabling effective collaboration with satellite operations and systems engineering teams.

Work Environment

This role is based in a lab and office environment associated with a satellite production facility in Tukwila, Washington. The position offers the flexibility to start in a remote capacity; however, due to the emphasis on hands-on testing and integration, the engineer must be local to the Tukwila area by the end of 2026 and comfortable working in a hybrid arrangement that combines on-site and remote work. On-site work will involve regular access to optical test facilities, laboratory equipment such as interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers, and other metrology tools, as well as interaction with satellite production and integration areas. The environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with close coordination among payload engineering, image processing, satellite operations, program management, and production teams. The culture emphasizes people-first values, customer focus, and an engaging, innovative atmosphere where engineers work with advanced technologies to support impactful space-based intelligence missions.

We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Insurance (Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program

.Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tukwila, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $74.00 - $87.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tukwila,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.