Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (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.

Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview:

As a Principal Systems Engineer you will work in a team-based environment to develop Electro-Optical (EO) systems that operate in space environments. You will be expected to work in a technical leadership position managing requirements, providing technical oversight for internal and subcontracted designs, and formal verification of systems and/or subassemblies.  Principal Systems Engineers must possess skills in requirements management, system integration, requirements verification, supplier management, qualification and acceptance testing, prepare and present technical material for customer reviews, and author contract documents.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the technical team to establish robust and executable program plans including the identification of tasks, trade studies, modelling and analyses, and risk and opportunity identification and management
• Review and assess customer requirements and provide proper requirements management including validation, decomposition, and flow down, specification development, interface control/protocol definition, and technical budgeting
• Develop and guide verification including requirements verification matrix development, verification plans, test requirements, and preparation of sell-off materials to demonstrate compliance
• Evaluate the work and results from the technical team and provide feedback and direction
• Communicate and collaborate with the program office, functional management, and technical team members to ensure proper program execution and early issue and risk identification
• Document statement of work (SOW) and performance specifications for subcontracted items

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field. Advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of relevant work experience such as systems engineering of complex systems throughout the product lifecycle
• Familiarity with electro-optical (EO) space, airborne, and terrestrial systems
• Experience developing, integrating, and verifying digital control systems employing FPGAs and/or embedded processors
• Familiarity with analog electrical designs including power supplies, board layout and artwork, EMI/EMC management, and cable harnesses
• Familiarity with electrical considerations for thermal vacuum space environments
• Familiarity with precision feedback systems such as LVDT, RVDTs, and strain gauges
• Familiarity with aerospace protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, RS-422, Ethernet, and SpaceWire
• Creating and maintaining electrical interface control documentation
• Creating and maintaining FPGA and software interface control documentation
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Writing requirements specifications, verification matrices, verification plans, and verification reports
• Decomposition of complex systems into logical building blocks and the ability to develop the requisite error budgets and requirements traceability
• Requirements management using IBM Rational DOORS or other requirements management systems
• Familiarity with Model Base Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Evaluation and definition of the optical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental inputs into a system and their influence on overall requirements compliance
• Concept of operations (CONOPS) development
• Program planning including scope definition and task estimation
• Technical leadership of cross-functional/discipline teams
• Proficient written communication skills including technical writing
• Proficient verbal skills including technical presentations with the ability and technical confidence to brief a variety of internal and external customers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Development and verification of space-based electronics
• Familiarity with optical systems for visible through long wave infrared applications for both imaging and non-imaging systems
• Control theory with open and closed-loop feedback
• Firmware and software development (e.g., VHDL, C, C++, Python, MatLab)
• Use and development of analytical tools such as MatLab for modeling and analysis for system development, evaluation, and verification
• Parts, materials, and processes for space environments
• Modeling and analysis of EO/IR systems

Location: Danbury, CT

Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

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:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions, occasionally operate tools and/or machinery with hands and arms and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. The employee will use protective equipment when working with chemicals, move between workstations, reach, and replace equipment, and move items weighing up to 25 lbs. (site specific:  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 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.