Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARKA Group L.P. (“ARKA”) is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

We are seeking aspiring engineers, signals processors, and physicists excited to join our team that supports U.S. defense and intelligence community partners. We are developing the next generation of signal and image processing software, building on our 80-year history on the cutting edge of the radar and electro-optical fields. Our team has received numerous patents and developed revolutionary and exquisite technologies that is continuing with our current work.  

By joining our team, you will build innovative software solutions to support users in the defense and intelligence communities. Your strong technical skills and passion for innovation will be instrumental in supporting our customers and their missions to keep us safe.

Position Overview:

ARKA’s RST business unit is seeking aspiring engineers, signals analysts, and physicists to join our team to support the development of algorithms and software related to synthetic aperture radar, low observables, electro-optical, and other remote sensing capabilities. As part of ARKA, you will be at the forefront of developing and enhancing remote sensing capabilities and working in space emerging technology. You will learn about these technologies from the experts that discovered and patented these capabilities. This work requires candidates to be a U.S. citizen willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

In support of work/life balance, many positions are available for a flexible schedule within the pay period.  Ask us about the opportunity for flex scheduling if that’s of interest to you. 

We welcome applicants at varying experience levels, from entry level to senior level for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Take algorithm definitions and prototypes and convert them into robust software applications
• Collaborate with radar/electro-optical and research scientist experts to solve issues and iterate to improve product image quality
• Design, develop, and maintain robust and scalable software applications using modern programming languages and technologies. If a software engineer, write clean, efficient, and well-tested code that adheres to best practices and coding standards
• Learn about synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or electro-optical collection techniques
• Participate in all aspects of the development lifecycle, including planning, requirements development, software design, implementation and build, documentation, testing, deployment, and maintenance
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a timely and effective manner
• Learning from our recognized leaders and setting oneself up for future leadership in the area

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship with a willingness and ability to obtain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• A degree (or progress toward a degree with an expected graduation date) in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field; four years of professional experience in software or signals processing in lieu of a degree; or military background in electronic warfare and/or signals processing
• Interest in learning remote sensing technologies
• Familiarity with a programming language (preferably Python, C++, Rust, or similar)
• Familiarity developing in Linux and/or in a cloud environment (AWS preferred)
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work within a team environment to advance large software development packages by taking on and completing tasks independently
• Ability to work onsite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming skills in multiple languages
• Knowledge of or background in radar or electro-optical fields.
• Academic experience in digital signal processing
• Scrum/Agile Development knowledge and experience with Jira
• Experience writing software implementing algorithms
• Passion for solving hard problems

Location: Ypsilanti, MI

Ypsilanti is artistic, genuine, and original. A college town and city located on the Huron River in Washtenaw County. Ypsilanti is all about community and making families new to the area feel right at home. From educational opportunities and local museums for all ages, to accessible healthcare and transportation it’s a wonderful location. It’s well known for its historical museums, parks, and historic districts as well as home to Eastern Michigan University. The University of Michigan and Michigan State University also are great institutions! Ann Arbor is close by and has many things, including a bustling university town, culinary hotspot, and a tech hub with a walkable downtown that includes world-class arts and culture. Located in southeast Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor lies at the center of a greater collection of communities in Washtenaw County. With so many thriving communities nearby, Ann Arbor has become a cultural melting pot and urban oasis.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires U.S. citizenship in support of contract requirements.  This position also requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-employment Screenings:

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.