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Optical Systems Engineer (Mid-Career) - Millennium Space Systems

El Segundo, California Job ID JR2026489995 Category Engineering - Electronic and Electrical Role Type Onsite Post Date Jan. 04, 2026 Security Clearance Required
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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.

Optical Systems Engineer (Mid-Career) – Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems (MSS), a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is seeking a Optical Systems Engineer (Mid-Career) to support the Engineering team in El Segundo, CA!

Job Summary

The Optics Team are the subject matter experts relating to all optical systems at Millennium and spanning systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and hardware design/test. They support mission engineering related to the use of optical communications terminals (OCT), optical payloads, star trackers, laser range finders, etc. They are systems engineers managing critical interfaces to optical systems. Members of the team model mission phenomenology and detection performance of Electro-Optical (EO)/Infared (IF) and optical communications payloads considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor, as well as support development of mission data processing algorithms. In addition to analysis, the team designs and develops optical hardware, including star trackers and sensor packages that support autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They work closely with manufacturing, providing optical ground support equipment (GSE), software tools, and test support.

An Optical Systems Engineer possesses a strong background in spaceborne electro-optical sensor technology (visible to infrared; active and passive). You will oversee OCT usage on our programs, ensuring system specifications meet mission needs. You will own mission performance requirements for remote sensing missions and model mission phenomenology and detection performance considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. 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 3-4.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for OCTs, electro-optical (EO) sensors, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 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
  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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.

Summary Pay-Range

  • Level 3: $104,550 - $153,750
  • Level 4: $126,650- $186,250

Applications for this position will be accepted until Feb. 06, 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.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim U.S. Secret Clearance Pre-Start and final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

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.

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Your Benefits

No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.

  • Generous company match to your 401(k).
  • Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
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These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.

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