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Electrophysics/Optical Engineer (Lead or Senior)

El Segundo, California Job ID JR2026503433 Category Engineering - Electronic and Electrical Role Type Onsite Post Date Apr. 03, 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.

Boeing is hiring a Lead or Senior Electrophysics/Optical Engineer for Mission Systems Payloads development in El Segundo, California. This position will lead a team of engineers that develops and captures technology for designing disruptive Mission Systems solutions.  Focused on visible and infrared spectrum Electro-Optics Infrared (EO/IR) sensors operating in Space and Air domains, our growing team is leaping ahead of our competition with an exceptional mix of mission architecture, sensor design and algorithms for advanced image and data processing.

This position will expand the development team of a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization with multiple high-performing teams. This team drives integrated technology development and rapidly transitions capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber security, advanced electronics, communications, networking, platform subsystems and digital aviation.  If you have a passion to work with and shape teams that are developing the next generation of technology and innovation, this may be the role for you.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Sensors, Optics and Opto-mechanical Engineering – leads engineers and analysts in the development of sensor products aligned with chief architect’s vision.  Leads product definition and maturity through a disciplined system thinking approach, focused on product design and interface, in an agile model-based engineering environment

  • Senior Optical Systems Engineer – will drive and direct architecture trades, design and analysis, requirements definition and performance modeling, employing industry-common and mission unique tools.  Will elaborate design practices and development standards within the EO/IR Mission Systems team

  • Product development – Collaborate with business leaders, chief engineer/architect, and engineering teams to define and describe the technology and product portfolio development objectives and plan. Leverage existing IP and product evolution to expand Boeing’s EO/IR Internal Research and Development (IRAD), Contract Research and Development (CRAD) and programs product portfolio extending into the space, air, and sea domains.  Will embrace/exercise disciplined development methods that drive innovation results.  Develop transition plans for low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) products from the science and technology community. Develop mission performance analysis and image processing capability in a consistent manner to enable reuse across multiple programs

  • Programs execution – Creates and leads the modeling, definition, and engineering products through program execution efforts. Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with programs leaders, stakeholders, and suppliers. Provides input on technical approaches, products, and processes

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location. Note: Up to 25% domestic and international travel may be required.

This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):  

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical, Optical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • 5+ years’ experience with the design of mission systems, sensors, or sensing systems

  • Experience with developmental space and/or airborne systems

  • Experience with optical design

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):  

  • 10+ years related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Active TOP SECRET/SSBI security clearance

  • Experience working on opto-mechanical and/or electromechanical designs

  • Experience with systems design, integration, and test including tools FRED and Zemax

  • Experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica

  • Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and/or verification of signal and image collection systems

  • Experience in remote sensing; optical performance modeling; radiometric modeling and calibration techniques; wavefront error and wavefront sensing

  • Experience in testing methodologies for complex, high accuracy systems; optical alignment; radiometric testing; full environment testing for Space applications

  • Experience with multiple Computer Aided Design (CAD) modeling tools

  • Experience with structural analysis of space systems, airborne systems, or electronics systems

  • Experience with product structure and product data management tools

  • Experience with the design and development of EO/IR sensor systems

  • Experience working on research and development or prototype programs

  • Experience with design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced Electronic Systems, i.e. Electro-Optical Guidance Systems, Radar Tests and/or RF Seeker

  • Demonstrated ability to drive closure and resolve complex technical issues/challenges

  • Experience working ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) mission solutions

  • Experience in the development of processing and dissemination computer algorithms; design, develop and analyze systems and algorithms for the extraction of information from signal and image sensors

Typical Education/Experience:

  • Lead: Typically 9 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications

  • Senior: Typically 14 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug-Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace 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.

Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:

At Boeing, 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. 

The Boeing Company 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:

Lead: $146,200 - $197,800

Senior: $176,500 - $239,200


Applications for this position will be accepted until Apr. 13, 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

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Security Clearance

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

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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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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