Job Description
The Senior Camera Hardware Engineer will lead the electrical design and development of satellite imaging payloads, focusing on sensor selection, low-noise power systems, and high-speed data integrity to support Earth observation missions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and own high-speed PCBA architectures for satellite camera payloads, including sensor headboards and data acquisition systems.
- Collaborate with systems engineers to define electrical specifications and select CMOS image sensors based on performance criteria.
- Architect low-noise power delivery networks and high-speed differential signaling to ensure high-quality image data capture.
- Partner with FPGA teams to optimize image signal processing and implement hardware-level calibration for sensor defects.
- Specify and design electrical requirements for precise sensor alignment, including flexible interconnects and thermal monitoring circuits.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- 10 years of experience in hardware design, with a significant focus on digital analog imaging systems and camera hardware.
- Expertise in CMOS sensor operation, including the ability to model and design practical solutions to minimize electronic noise.
- Hands-on experience with high-end oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and optical test equipment such as monochromators and integrating spheres.
- Ability to navigate the trade-offs between power consumption, thermal dissipation, and image Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).
- Application of knowledge to recommend the optimal image sensor, design ultra-low-noise power rails, and guarantee high-speed data integrity from the sensor to the FPGA.
- Experience in designing high-speed PCBA architectures for camera payloads, including sensor headboards and data acquisition systems.
- Ability to collaborate with Payload Systems Engineers to define electrical specifications and select CMOS image sensors focusing on quantum efficiency, full-well capacity, and minimizing temporal and spatial noise.
- Experience architecting low-noise power delivery networks (PDN) and high-speed differential signaling (LVDS, MIPI) to ensure pristine image data capture.
- Partnering with Firmware FPGA teams to optimize the Image Signal Processing pipeline, including implementing hardware-level calibration for dark current and defective pixels.
- Driving electrical requirements for precision sensor alignment, including designing flexible interconnects and thermal monitoring circuits to maintain focus across orbital temperature swings.
- Ability to model and design solutions for CMOS sensor operation, noise minimization, and high-resolution ADC interfacing.
- Understanding of the complete electrical life cycle of satellite imaging payloads, including recommending components and designing for space environment constraints.
- Knowledge of the trade-offs involved in power, thermal management, and image quality in the context of satellite imaging systems.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Home Office Reimbursement
Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
Equity
Commuter Benefits if local to an office
Discretionary short-term and long-term incentives, bonus, and equity
Salary range of $182,900 - $228,600 USD (dependent on experience, skills, location)
Ready to Apply?
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