Senior Instrument Scientist, Calibration Design

Role overview

Join an Instrument Science team within a space-based electro-optical/infrared organization to own the calibration methodology that turns raw orbital signal into science-grade data. This senior, individual-contributor position partners closely with peers in systems engineering, assembly and test, and data products, taking calibration concepts from early design through on-orbit operations.

Responsibilities

- Define end-to-end radiometric calibration methodology, establishing the standards and procedures that convert raw detector output into calibrated, science-ready measurements. - Define geometric calibration methodology, setting the standards used to characterize and correct pointing and geometric accuracy of the instrument. - Specify calibration data products and processing flows, partnering with the infrared data product team so artifacts satisfy downstream science and product needs. - Support ground-calibration test planning alongside the Calibration Testing lead, translating methodology into executable test procedures. - Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation (approximately one week every six weeks) to support on-orbit anomaly resolution.

Requirements

- Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in engineering, physics, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience. - 5+ years developing radiometric or geometric calibration methodology for imaging systems, remote-sensing payloads, or comparable electro-optical hardware. - Hands-on familiarity with calibration equipment such as integrating spheres, blackbodies, collimators, or autocollimators. - Experience converting calibration methodology into data-processing algorithms that produce usable calibration products. - Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate calibration methodology into requirements and test procedures across instrument systems, assembly/integration/test, and design teams.

Nice to have

- Familiarity with ground calibration test infrastructure and procedures. - Background in visible and infrared sensors and scanner characterization. - Experience supporting calibration-data validation with downstream product teams. - Experience with calibration uncertainty analysis and error budgeting. - Willingness to travel occasionally for in-person calibration or validation campaigns.

Benefits and work setup

- Base salary range of $158,000-$207,000, plus equity and a comprehensive benefits package. - Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); short- and long-term disability plus life insurance. - Three weeks paid vacation for new hires, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave. - Position requires access to export-controlled information; candidates must be a U.S. person or otherwise eligible under ITAR/EAR.