Engineer Senior - Focal Plane Test

Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

 

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond.®

 

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 

The Engineering Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the organizational talent and technical leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

 

Engineer Senior – Focal Plane Test

 

We are seeking a Senior Detector Test Engineer to fill technical and project engineering leadership roles in support of design, analysis, fabrication, test and operation of spacecraft / aircraft electro-optical systems for commercial, DoD and NASA customers.

 

What You’ll Do:

 

• Support the development of custom visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR (3 - 5 micron), and LWIR (8-12 micron) camera systems for high reliability applications.
• Manage cost, schedule and milestones of internal research and development programs and lead integrated product teams to meet program goals.
• Work on a team, or lead a team, to develop the system architecture, the design and test of low noise focal plane detectors used in high-speed video, LIDAR, and scientific space-based applications.
• Work with Ball Aerospace detector teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Work directly with detector and electronics hardware to demonstrate performance, to debug operational issues, and to characterize devices.
• Perform detector system analysis including radiometric analysis, MTF analysis, and noise analysis.
• Work on cross-functional teams including optical, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and systems engineers to develop and to optimize detector system performance.
• Guide and mentor junior engineers to promote skills growth.
• Foster the industry-wide awareness of Ball Aerospace engineering distinction by promoting Ball Aerospace engineering participation in technical conferences and publications.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

 

What You’ll Need:

 

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Degrees in Electrical Engineering or Physics are strongly preferred; Master’s degree is highly preferred. 
• Related experience in detector design, detector test, electronics design, breadboard fabrication and focal plane system test. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR detector characterization, design, and system level integration.
• Demonstrated experience with modeling and performance analysis of visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR detectors.
• Experience developing and running radiometric tests on detectors.
• Experience with mechanical packaging of detectors and the associated thermal and contamination control desi