Job DescriptionPosition SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced
Systems Engineer to serve as the primary technical lead for an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EOIR) sensor program. This is a critical "hybrid" leadership role requiring a candidate who can execute the full
SEIT (Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test) lifecycle while simultaneously serving as the
IV&V (Independent Verification and Validation) Lead.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the EOIR system meets all mission-critical performance requirements through rigorous architectural oversight, integration strategy, and an uncompromising validation and verification framework.
Key Responsibilities1. SEIT Leadership (Systems Engineering, Integration & Test)- Lifecycle Management: Lead the SEIT process from conceptual design and requirement decomposition through to final system acceptance and fielding.
- Integration Strategy: Develop and execute complex integration plans for EOIR payloads, ensuring seamless interfacing with platforms (e.g., aircraft, maritime or ground) and C2 systems.
- Technical Oversight: Lead Trade Studies, Interface Control Document (ICD) development, and System Requirements Reviews (SRRs) and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs).
- Risk Management: Identify technical risks early in the design phase and implement mitigation strategies to prevent schedule slips or performance gaps.
2. IV&V Leadership (Independent Verification & Validation)- V&V Framework: Establish the IV&V plan, defining the boundary between internal developer testing and independent validation.
- Test Strategy: Lead the development of Test Plans, Test Procedures, and Test Reports (TPTRs) for EOIR-specific metrics (e.g., MTF, NETD, boresight alignment, tracking accuracy).
- Compliance: Ensure all system requirements are traceable via a Requirement Traceability Verification Matrix (RTVM).
- Audit & Assurance: Act as the final technical authority to certify that the system is "mission-ready" and meets the end-user's operational needs.
3. EOIR Domain Expertise- Apply deep knowledge of optical physics, active optical systems, infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs), lens assemblies, and image processing algorithms.
- Oversee the calibration and alignment processes for multi-spectral sensor suites.
- Collaborate with software and hardware teams to optimize sensor performance and latency.
Required Skills and Education- Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. (M.S. preferred).
- Experience: 10+ years of Systems Engineering experience, with at least 5 years specifically focused on EOIR/Optical systems.
- Proven Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading SEIT and IV&V efforts on a major defense or aerospace program.
- Tool Proficiency: Expert-level experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama) and systems modeling (e.g., MagicDraw, Cameo/SysML).
- Technical Writing: Ability to author high-level technical specifications and executive-level verification summaries.
Preferred Skills and EducationPreferred Qualifications- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC) and MIL-STD-810 (Environmental Testing).
- Experience with target acquisition algorithms and automated test equipment (ATE).
- Active [Insert Level] Security Clearance.
Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Requirement Coverage: 100% traceability from high-level mission requirements to validated test results.
- Integration Efficiency: Reduction in "discovered" interface errors during final system integration.
- Schedule Adherence: On-time delivery of the IV&V Final Report and System Acceptance.
