Senior Electrical Engineer - Electro-Optical & Infrared (EO/IR) Systems
Saronic Technologies
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Austin, TX, USA
Posted 6+ months ago
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Position Overview
Saronic 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.
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
