Optical Engineer - Lead in Huntsville

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Job DescriptionJob Description

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level. nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities.

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for optical sensor systems in support of the U.S. Army Reagan Test Site (RTS). Optical sensors have been integral to RTS since the 1960s, providing unmatched visible and infrared tracking for missile and space missions.

While the Prime Contractor executes day-to-day operations, nSI engineers work alongside RTS leadership, the Prime Contractor, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL) to ensure that RTS optical systems are fully mission-ready and capable of meeting evolving requirements. The successful candidate will act as the technical authority for optical sensor capabilities, evaluate performance across the range’s five Super RADOT sites, and provide engineering expertise to guide mission operations, CONOPS evolution, and long-term modernization strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as RTS’s optical systems SME, representing nSI in collaboration with RTS leadership, the Prime Contractor, and MIT/LL.
• Monitor performance and readiness of high-resolution visible and infrared sensors paired with 24-inch class apertures on two-axis gimbal mounts.
• Ensure optical systems achieve stringent metric accuracy and signature data collection requirements for missile and space missions.
• Provide independent technical assessment and recommendations on upgrades, risks, and technology roadmaps.
• Support mission planning, real-time execution, and post-mission analysis with expert optical engineering input.
• Inform CONOPS development and operational changes to optimize performance and resiliency.
• Collaborate across radar, telemetry, and instrumentation teams for integrated mission success.
• Track emerging optical technologies and assess applicability to RTS operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant experience with advanced optical systems, visible/infrared sensors, or tracking instrumentation.
• Proven expertise in optical system design, calibration, and performance characterization.
• Strong systems engineering background with ability to assess requirements, readiness, and mission risks.
• Experience working in joint environments with government, contractor, and laboratory partners.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with test ranges, missile defense, or space tracking operations.
• Familiarity with radar-optical integration and distributed control architectures.
• Ability to lead technically without direct operational control of systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across multi-organization teams.

nou (pronounced ‘new’) Systems:

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family.

Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment. Benefits may vary based on status but the majority of our positions include the following:

• Competitive Wages*
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Norton LifeLock
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on , , , , , , , , , protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.nou-systems.com/workingatnou. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.

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