Sr. Optical Scientist

SNC is seeking an Optical Scientist with a specialization in IR sensor systems to conceptualize, develop, test, assess, and field the next generation of ISRT capabilities in the Denver area. You are joining a high-impact team who is driving innovative technologies and solutions, collaborating with industry and government IR experts, and leveraging cutting-edge tools to deliver exceptional imagery solutions to the DoD. This role requires fostering strong relationships with clients and contributing to the SNC’s continued success and growth. In this role, you will engage in the full lifecycle of multiple airborne IR imagery systems and associated radiometric processing for the purpose of collecting calibrated infrared imagery. This role will take these imagery systems and algorithms from initial concept development through lab verification analysis and testing, to the culmination of the deployment of qualified flight hardware. You will collaborate with diverse, cross-disciplinary teams, oversee supplier subcontracts, manage system requirements, and deliver a scientific imaging solution that meets stringent performance, safety, and military certification standards. The ideal candidate is an early- to mid-career professional with expertise in infrared remote sensing or imaging applications, exhibits both creative and analytical thinking, shows a strong eagerness to learn, and demonstrates hunger in developing next-generation technologies for the DoD.The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. https://www.sncorp.com/company/business-areas/Here’s what you can expect:Generous paid time off and flex timeFriendly and talented colleaguesExclusive SNC company eventsLeadership and development trainingSNC Mentorship ProgramEducation reimbursementModern Campus setting built with collaboration spaces, spectacular mountain views and natural light throughoutFree to use fitness center on-siteState-of-the-art coffee houseFull-service Cafeteria with planned breakfast and lunch optionsAccess to walking and biking trailsResponsibilities:Your primary responsibility is to join the Sensor’s Team to design and develop advanced radiometric algorithms or next-generation ISRT hardware.Assist in the design of next generation IRST architectures and hardware configurations with design studies and sensor performance trades.Perform and guide testing/analyses of calibrated IRST hardware including laboratory, ground, and flight testing to validate top-level system specifications and requirements, and establish sensor performance specifications.Drive development of radiometric algorithms, calibrated imagery processing, mathematical-physical models, and prototype software for IRST mission sets.Perform hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate radiometric algorithms, determine quality of calibrated imagery, and assess sources of radiometric uncertaintyYou will contribute to teams developing new modeling, simulation, and analytical methods and tools.You will contribute to field tests and experiments, including planning, execution, and data analysis.You will document and present your results to project leads, sponsors, and IR technical workshops and conferences.Must-haves:Bachelor's of Science degree a related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experienceHigher education may substitute for relevant experienceKnowledge of scientific principles and practicesExperience in designing and conducting scientific experimentsDocumented record of accomplishments in the relevant fieldAbility to solve moderate to complex analytical problems and provide solutions that meet technical objectivesMS degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field10+ years of related experience (academic or industry) with infrared cameras, image sensors, opto-electronic, and/or opto-mechanical assembliesExperience with signature and/or scenario modeling/software packages (MODTRAN, SPIRITS, AFSIM, etc.)Proficiency with laboratory skills for data collection and design of experimentsProficiency in Python/Matlab/etc. for data analysis and processingProficiency with optical modeling tools (Zemax, Code V, LightTools, FRED, etc.).Experience using both logical and creative thinking to solve problems.Have strong inter-personal and written communications skills.Work and collaborate effectively in a team environment and support peer-review of technical work.Ability to multi-task, support multiple, concurrent projects, and adapt to changing circumstances.Willing and able to work a portion of the time in secure, closed areas and travel occasionally to government sites and contractor facilities (local and non-local).Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.Preferred:PhD degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field15+ years of experience in a relevant technical field.Skills and experience leading complex technical efforts.Hands-on experience with imaging systems and optical/image quality characterizations (focus/MTF, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment, etc.)Expertise with EO/IR performance models including, but not limited to object and atmospheric radiometry, optical system image quality, detector and electronics performance, image processing, and platform performanceExperience in one or more of the following: Stray light modeling and analysis, Illumination optics design and manufacturing, infrared optical design and development.Experience with image processing techniques for EO/IR sensorsExperience with image data manipulation and computation and interpretation of standard image quality metrics#Ll-hybridEstimated Starting Salary Range: $124,771.42 - $171,560.71. SNC considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.IMPORTANT NOTICE:This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our teamAs an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. SNC is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination.  Employment decisions are made without regarding to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. Contributions to SNC come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.