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Infrared Detector Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

True Anomaly

Senior Electrical Engineer, Imager

Denver, CO · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

... IR, and infrared imaging payloads * Own the electrical design of detector readout electronics ... Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless payload ...

Teledyne

Sr. ASIC Layout Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

These chips form the heart of our infrared detectors, sensors, and cameras-used in applications ... Interface with ROIC designers, detector engineers, systems engineers, processors, test, and ...

BAE Systems

Project Eng I

Boulder, CO · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

... near-infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared focal plane ... This position is for a Focal Plane Subsystem Project Engineer and will report to the Detector ...

BAE Systems

Eng I - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$64K - $110K/yr

We are looking for a Detector Test Engineer to characterize and optimize cutting-edge electro ... near-infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared focal plane ...

BAE Systems USA

Eng I - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

We are looking for a Detector Test Engineer to characterize and optimize cutting-edge electro ... near-infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared focal plane ...

Teledyne

Semiconductor Process Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

Support detector production and process development in a cleanroom environment * Work across ... Our infrared sensors are "Everywhere You Look" - from the James Webb Space Telescope to critical ...

Lockheed Martin

Electro-Optical Engineer Sr Stf

Goleta, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

Our team creates state of the art infrared (IR) sensors and camera subsystems that power next ... detector technologies and packaging approaches, delivering recommendation reports for senior ...

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Infrared Detector Engineer information

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$46K

$116.3K

$207.5K

How much do infrared detector engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for infrared detector engineer in the United States is $116,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Infrared Detector Engineers?

Infrared Detector Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain sensors and systems that detect infrared radiation. Their work enables technologies like night vision, thermal imaging, and spectroscopy used in industries such as defense, aerospace, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. These engineers typically have backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, or materials science and work with advanced materials and electronics to improve detector performance. They may also be involved in troubleshooting, calibration, and integration of infrared detectors into larger systems.

What is the difference between Infrared Detector Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectInfrared Detector EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; experience with IR sensorsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; knowledge of optics and photonics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign studios, labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, night vision, thermal imagingConsumer electronics, telecommunications, imaging systems

Infrared Detector Engineers focus on developing and optimizing IR sensors and detectors, primarily for thermal imaging and night vision applications. Optical Engineers work on designing and improving optical systems, including lenses and photonics components, often for imaging and communication devices. While both roles require a strong background in physics and optics, Infrared Detector Engineers specialize in IR-specific technologies, whereas Optical Engineers have a broader focus on light manipulation and system integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Infrared Detector Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Infrared Detector Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science, often with an advanced degree and experience in semiconductor device fabrication. Familiarity with simulation software, cleanroom processes, and characterization tools such as spectrometers and cryogenic systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing detector performance, ensuring precision in research, and meeting project goals in high-tech environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Infrared Detector Engineers when integrating detectors into larger systems?

Infrared Detector Engineers often encounter challenges related to thermal management, signal noise, and compatibility when integrating detectors into larger systems. Ensuring that the detector operates within optimal temperature ranges while minimizing interference from surrounding electronics requires careful design and testing. Additionally, engineers must collaborate closely with systems engineers and software developers to ensure seamless data acquisition and processing. Addressing these challenges often involves iterative prototyping, detailed simulations, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Senior Electrical Engineer, Imager

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
True Anomaly is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Electrical Engineer, Imager to join our Payloads team, reporting to the Electro-Optical Systems Engineering Manager. In this role, you will be the technical authority for the camera, focal plane, and sensing element design of our EO/IR imaging systems, spanning visible, near-IR, and infrared wavelength bands. You will own the full signal chain from photon collection through detector readout, data transfer, and electrical design - ensuring our imaging payloads deliver the performance, reliability, and affordability needed for operational spacecraft. You bring deep hands-on expertise in focal plane array technologies, detector electronics, and imaging system characterization, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can take ownership and drive results from concept to on-orbit operation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the design, development, integration, and testing of camera systems and focal plane assemblies for visible, near-IR, and infrared imaging payloads
  • Own the electrical design of detector readout electronics, focal plane interface circuits, and associated analog and digital signal chains
  • Define and execute detector and focal plane characterization campaigns, including noise, responsivity, linearity, and dark current measurements
  • Design and optimize high-speed data transfer architectures from focal plane to downstream processing and storage
  • Develop and maintain image data management approaches, including on-board image storage, buffering, and downlink prioritization
  • Perform radiometric and electro-optical system modeling to predict and validate on-orbit imaging performance
  • Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless payload integration and performance compliance
  • Support integration and test activities, including environmental testing, calibration, and on-orbit commissioning
  • Develop and maintain documentation including design specifications, test plans, analysis reports, and operating procedures
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of EO engineering processes and practices

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field (Master's preferred)
  • 5+ years of professional experience in electro-optical system design with a focus on cameras, focal plane arrays, and detector electronics
  • Hands-on experience with visible, near-IR, and/or IR detector technologies (CCD, CMOS, InGaAs, MCT, or similar)
  • Experience with focal plane readout electronics, detector interface design, and analog signal chain development
  • Experience with high-speed digital data interfaces and image data transfer architectures
  • Strong understanding of radiometric analysis and electro-optical system performance modeling
  • Familiarity with SWaPC-constrained payload design for spacecraft applications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with embedded firmware development for camera and focal plane control electronics
  • Experience developing test software for EO system characterization and validation
  • Familiarity with on-board memory management and image storage architectures
  • Experience with hyperspectral imaging sensor design, calibration, and data processing
  • Familiarity with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant detector and focal plane technologies
  • Experience with cryogenic or thermoelectric cooling systems for IR detector applications
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $150,000-$220,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
  • Work Location-this role will be onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations, with travel to other sites as needed.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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