EO/IR Systems Engineer

Job Description

Long Wall Company was created in 2025 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible missile defense systems and offers rapid, low-cost flight testing. We believe that the future of global security and stability require defensive technology that is lower cost, higher performing, better tested, and more broadly distributed than is possible today. Join us.

What we look for

Mission-Driven Problem Solvers. The aerospace frontier demands ingenuity. We want engineers who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.

Total Ownership. We seek engineers who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.

As an EO/IR Systems Engineer, you will own the design and development of optical sensing systems that enable our missile defense technologies. Working as part of a small, highly integrated product team, you will lead efforts from early architecture and trades through to detailed design, prototyping, and test. Your work will directly shape seeker and sensor performance on systems where every decision matters.

This is a hands-on, end-to-end role where you’ll apply first principles thinking to design optics, model sensor performance, and support the integration of those designs into real-world hardware. You’ll define test strategies; help build test infrastructure and validate systems under realistic conditions. You won’t just advise on technical direction—you’ll build it. This is a role that contributes to every mission and every flight we fly as we continue to reimagine the future of missile defense systems.Responsibilities

Design and develop EO/IR sensor systems

Drive system-level architecture and component trade studies, including make/buy decisions

Perform and develop tooling for first principles calculations to inform design decisions and predict performance

Model optical systems and sensor behavior using industry standard modeling software packages

Define test requirements and support the development of lab setups

Work cross functionally with electrical, mechanical, and software domains

Create and present internal technical documentation that clearly conveys design intent, adherence to standards, requirements, and specificationsBasic Qualifications

For a Level III Engineer:

Degree in (or related to) one of the following fields:

aerospace engineering, optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or a related field.

And one of the following combinations of minimum education and years of experience in electro-optical or infrared sensor system design and analysis.

Bachelor’s degree AND minimum of 5 years of related experience

Master’s degree AND minimum of 3 years of related experience

PhD AND minimum of 1 year of related experience.Preferred Skills and Experience

M.S. or Ph. D. in a relevant technical field

Solid foundation in optics, imaging systems, and sensor physics

Proficiency with modeling and analysis tools such as Matlab, Python, MODTRAN

Ability to perform and communicate first-principles analysis

Experience with seeker systems, imaging sensors, or optical payloads in aerospace or defense applications

Familiarity with opto-mechanical packaging including alignment, lens mounting, and tolerance analysis

Experience with CAD tools and their integration into optical system design

Experience developing and supporting test setups for optical and sensor system validationAdditional Requirements:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Ability to use a computer to complete assignments

Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence

Ability to pick up to 50lbs

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation range for this role is:

P3/Engineer III - $139,175 - $160,000/yr

P4/Sr. Engineer - $169,000 - $200,300/yr

This is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:

· Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

· Long Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage

· 4% 401k match

· Student loan repayment assistance program

· Paid parental leave

· Family planning assistance program

· Long Wall paid financial wellness program

· Paid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employees

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.

Full-time