Senior Electrical Engineer - Electro-Optical & Infrared (EO/IR) Systems
17 days ago
Austin
Job DescriptionSaronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Position OverviewSaronic Technologies is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with deep experience in electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) camera systems to join our Electrical Engineering - Advanced Development group.This position focuses on research, evaluation, and integration of imaging and sensing systems - including visible, thermal, and multispectral cameras - that support autonomous vessel perception, situational awareness, and target tracking.The ideal candidate will lead efforts in system benchmarking, performance analysis, and trade study development for EO/IR technologies across multiple market offerings. This role combines hands-on testing, technical analysis, and system-level design to shape Saronic’s next generation of perception capabilities.Key Responsibilities • Lead R&D efforts related to electro-optical and infrared imaging systems for autonomous maritime platforms., • Research, evaluate, and benchmark commercial and defense-grade EO/IR camera systems, gimbals, and sensor modules under laboratory and field conditions., • Develop and execute trade studies comparing performance, cost, reliability, and integration complexity across multiple market options., • Design and validate electrical interfaces and integration pathways between EO/IR systems and onboard compute, storage, and autonomy networks., • Conduct performance testing including resolution, sensitivity (NETD), dynamic range, stabilization, and environmental endurance., • Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to integrate EO/IR data into vessel perception and situational awareness pipelines., • Prototype and field-test camera system installations, including power distribution, data acquisition, and network integration., • Author detailed R&D documentation, including benchmarking reports, design specifications, and integration guidelines., • Stay current with emerging technologies in imaging sensors, optics, image stabilization, and AI-enabled perception systems., • Mentor junior engineers and help define internal best practices for optical system evaluation and selection.Required Qualifications, • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Optoelectronics, or related field., • 7+ years of experience in electrical or related engineering with a focus on EO/IR imaging or sensing systems., • Proven expertise in camera system integration, including power, data, and control interfaces., • Experience conducting R&D evaluations, trade studies, and comparative testing of sensor systems., • Solid understanding of optical and infrared imaging principles - resolution, FOV, sensitivity, dynamic range, and spectral response., • Hands-on experience with digital video interfaces and standards (GigE Vision, MIPI, USB3 Vision, SDI, Camera Link, etc.)., • Familiarity with thermal camera technologies, including cooled and uncooled detectors (LWIR, MWIR, SWIR)., • Experience with mechanical and electrical integration of EO/IR systems into ruggedized or mobile platforms., • Strong documentation, data analysis, and presentation skills., • Comfortable working in lab, dockside, and field-test environments for camera calibration and evaluation.Preferred Qualifications, • Background in maritime, aerospace, or defense sensor systems development., • Familiarity with AI/ML-based image processing and data fusion for autonomous perception., • Experience with environmental qualification and compliance testing (MIL-STD-810, DO-160, IEC 60945)., • Knowledge of optical system alignment, lens calibration, and stabilization systems., • Experience integrating EO/IR systems into networked computing environments (Ethernet/IP, TSN, or deterministic networking)., • Proficiency with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms for sensor performance evaluation., • Understanding of radiometric calibration, sensor modeling, or image quality metrics (MTF, SNR, dynamic range).Benefits, • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services, • Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care, • Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents, • Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays, • Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents, • Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses, • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan, • Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success, • Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage, • Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Physical Requirements, • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer., • Occasional standing and walking within the office., • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment., • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports., • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.