Senior Optical Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

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 laser system/laser communication payloads. The team models mission phenomenology and detection performance of EO/IR and active sensors considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. They 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 Optical Systems Engineer possesses a strong background in spaceborne electro-optical sensor technology (visible to infrared; active and passive). You will oversee  optical systems   on our programs, ensuring system specifications meet mission needs. You will own mission performance requirements for remote sensing missions and or space-to-space missions, and model mission phenomenology and detection performance. You will be the primary interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team, managing interfaces between these elements. Successful Optical Systems Engineers have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, and calibration of optical hardware.

This position's internal job code is Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. Our team is currently hiring for a  Level 4-5. 

• Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for Electro-optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) sensors, Laser systems (Laser rangefinders and Optical Communications Terminals), and space vehicle interfaces
• Design and implement modeling and simulation of optical systems
• Develop and execute unit and system level tests on the ground and on-orbit to verify performance
• Manage supplier and partner performance 
• Manage complex projects by coordinating work statements, setting and tracking budget/schedule, and measuring technical performance 
• Support large-scale new business proposals

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options. 

Security Clearance and Export Control Requirements

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences / computer science
• 7+ years industry experience in optical engineering 
• Experience with space-to-space and/or space-to-ground laser communication 
• Experience with performance/phenomenology/modeling of space-based EO sensors
• Ability to train and mentor other members of the team
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance

• 10+ industry experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation.
• On-orbit experience in the operation and performance validation of OCTs
• Ability to develop and maintain an OCT link budget
• Experience with design, integration, qualification, and test of satellite optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.
• Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission-related information
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

• This role will be on 1st

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences / computer science
• 7+ years industry experience in optical engineering 
• Experience with space-to-space and/or space-to-ground laser communication 
• Experience with performance/phenomenology/modeling of space-based EO sensors
• Ability to train and mentor other members of the team
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance

• 10+ industry experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation.
• On-orbit experience in the operation and performance validation of OCTs
• Ability to develop and maintain an OCT link budget
• Experience with design, integration, qualification, and test of satellite optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.
• Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission-related information
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Summary Pay Range:

Level 4: $121,000 - $

Level 5: $ - $260,000

Applications for this position will be accepted until Mar. 20, 2026

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.