1

Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer Jobs

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer SME The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC ... Attend key systems engineering milestone reviews, deliver in-depth analysis and actionable ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

... perception, electro-optical, infrared, and sensor data to give our war fighters and allies an ... Adapt or derive physics-based models of sensor system performance and derive requirements based on ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

... electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. * Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

... electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. * Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

... electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. * Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Computer Vision Engineer

Chinquapin, NC · On-site

$99K - $117K/yr

Participate in R&D projects involving EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems for defense ... Design, validate, and optimize thermal imaging analysis models and advanced sensor solutions.

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

... electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. * Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

... electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. * Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

... electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. * Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Showing results 41-60

Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.1K

$168K

How much do electro optical infrared sensor system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for electro optical infrared sensor system engineer in the United States is $111,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electro optical infrared sensor system engineer do?

An Electro Optical Infrared (EOIR) Sensor System Engineer designs, develops, and tests sensor systems that use both visible light (electro-optical) and infrared technology. These engineers work on complex imaging and detection systems used in applications such as surveillance, navigation, and targeting for defense, aerospace, and scientific purposes. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure sensor systems meet performance requirements and often participate in integration and troubleshooting activities. Their work involves both hardware and software aspects, including optics, electronics, and signal processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electro optical infrared sensor system engineer?

To thrive as an Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer, you typically need a strong background in electrical engineering, optics, and sensor physics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Zemax, LabVIEW, and proficiency in using simulation and modeling software are fundamental, along with experience in system integration and testing. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills are essential to collaborate effectively and translate complex requirements into workable solutions. These skills ensure accurate system design, reliable sensor performance, and successful project execution in highly technical and multidisciplinary environments.

What are some common challenges faced by electro optical infrared sensor system engineers in cross-disciplinary project teams?

Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineers often collaborate with specialists in fields such as software engineering, mechanical design, and systems integration. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication across disciplines, as technical requirements and constraints can differ significantly. Balancing system performance with size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations is another frequent hurdle, especially when integrating sensors into complex platforms. Proactively participating in cross-functional meetings and developing a strong understanding of related engineering domains can help navigate these challenges and support successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectElectro Optical Infrared Sensor System EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fields; experience with sensor systemsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fields; focus on optical design
Work EnvironmentDefense, aerospace, military applications involving sensor developmentConsumer electronics, telecommunications, scientific research involving optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary contractors, defense agencies, aerospace companiesTech companies, research institutions, manufacturing firms

Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineers specialize in developing sensor systems for military and aerospace applications, focusing on infrared and electro-optical components. Optical Systems Engineers work across a broader range of optical design projects, often in commercial sectors. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and industry focus differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer jobs?

For Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Electro Optical Infrared Sensor System Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,091 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulatio

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

$105K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Do you enjoy problem solving and applying your skills across a broad range of applications and research?
Do you have a passion for the design, analysis, simulation, and prototyping of innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?
If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for PhDs who are pursuing degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading next generation development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
  • Radio Frequency (RF) or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
  • Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
  • Hardware/Software Development and Test
  • Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We are seeking creative problem solvers with capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and supporting a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.
As a PhD member on our team you will...
  • Have the opportunity to pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
  • Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics and sensors.
  • Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
  • Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
  • Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
  • Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.

Our team works on a set of subject areas that feed into the design of an autonomous system. The following sections provide some more background on those unique areas:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
  • Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
  • Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization

Radio Frequency and Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor
  • We develop sensor and seeker solutions for advanced autonomous systems and weapons.
  • Types of work: RF and EO/IR system design, sensor and seeker performance analysis and M&S, and receiver signal processing
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding

Modeling and Simulation
  • We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
  • Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
  • Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization

Hardware/Software Development and Testing
  • We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
  • Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems
  • Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
  • Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the internship if you...
  • Are pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
  • Proven internship experience or possess extensive classroom project work in a subject matter in any of the following areas: guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization; electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding; dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization; hardware testing, embedded systems, sensor testing artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C++, Python, or other languages
  • Have a curiosity and appetite for exploring and solving hard problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom