Optical Engineer

Velos is a full-service engineering and technical services and government relations consulting firm representing leaders in the defense, aerospace, intelligence, and related industries. As an SBA-certified HUBZone company, Velos incorporates technical prowess into the execution of corporate strategies and business development experience, providing clients with reliable, cost effective, and maximum impact solutions. Velos also provides multi-discipline engineering and technical services to agencies such as NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Velos is seeking an Optical Engineer with NRO experience to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer for a complex space and ground efforts as part of an exciting and innovative set of programs. This position supports a System Program Office (SPO) in a technical capacity for planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of satellite system development and acquisitions that advance the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) space resiliency posture.

The optical systems engineer should be proficient in radiometry, photometry, and have payload acquisition experience to provide specialized engineering, analysis, and support to advanced space technology development. The position will be responsible for the performance of technical analysis of advanced optical systems, sensors, and image processing techniques for multiple phenomenologies; and the performance of high-level technology and CONOP trades for future systems. The position will also conduct system-level analysis of concepts; work on new space systems; and plan, execute and evaluate experiments.

Essential job functions will include but are not limited to:

• Support government on acquisition, source selection, and programmatic processes
• Support Contract Officer / Contract Officer Technical Representatives (CO/COTRs) and developers by coordinating with other technical domain Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and program stakeholders to achieve a detailed understanding of the systems, designs, and interfaces necessary to satisfy requirements
• Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR
• Observe development of optical systems across all phases, from design, integration, testing, validation, through delivery

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years proven technical background and experience in optical system design, development, manufacturing and testing
• 5+ years related experience in a SETA or embedded integrator role
• Proven experience in space acquisition
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills
• Strong written and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or other discipline related to optics or imaging science and 9 years or more relevant experience; or Masters and 7 years or more relevant experience

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI with CI Poly.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

Velos (VEE-los), meaning "arrow" in Greek, truly symbolizes who we are as a company. We provide the perfect combination of agile, highly talented engineering and technical support with decades of market analysis and strategic planning experience - providing invaluable capabilities from strategy development through program execution. Whether we are leading an effort or part of a team, Velos always hits the mark!

Velos offers a competitive benefits package including PTO, 401K, and health benefits. We know our team is more than just the job we do, which is why we support education advancement with our tuition reimbursement program.

Velos 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.