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We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Engineering Strategic Support Unit comprises the organizational talent and technical leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

Project Engineer Senior – Focal Plane

We are seeking a Detector Engineer to fill technical and project engineering leadership roles in support of design, analysis, fabrication, test, and operation of space-based and tactical electro-optical systems for commercial, DoD and NASA customers.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the development of custom ultraviolet, visible (CCD and visible hybrid), NIR, SWIR, MWIR (3 - 5 micron, and LWIR (8-12 micron) camera systems for high reliability applications.
• Lead specific project teams to develop the system architecture, the design and test of low noise focal plane detectors used in high-speed video, LIDAR and scientific space-based applications.
• Lead cross functional teams including optical, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and systems engineers to develop and to optimize detector system performance.
• Manage cost, schedule, and technical milestones and lead integrated product teams of up to 30 people to meet program goals. Use Earned Value tools to manage program execution.
• Interface with BATC teams, customers, and detector supplier-partners.
• Support proposal efforts for new camera systems and detector technologies including writing proposal basis-of-estimate or realistic cost estimate reports.
• Support detector procurement and major sub-contract activities including development of and management to supplier per statement of work and specifications.
• Guide and mentor junior IPT leads to promote skills growth.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Support Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You'll Need:

• BS degree in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 16 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Degree in Physics is preferred.
• Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• Experience in detector design, detector test, electronics design, breadboard fabrication and focal plane system test.
• Demonstrated knowledge of visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR detector systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of micro-electronics packaging of detectors.
• Experience leading an engineering team (12 - 30 people) on electro-optics projects.
• Certified as Cost Account Manager; experience reporting program status and developing resource-loaded schedules.
• Experience managing a budget greater than $10 million including monthly reporting.
• Experience identifying and managing projects risks and assumptions including in-house resource conflicts.
• Effective interpersonal skills including demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability and willingness to teach project engineering skills to peers and junior staff.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to obtain security clearance.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
• Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations will be required.

A current DoD clearance and/or SCI access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position, however applicant must be willing and eligible for submission within 60-90 days after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access. By applying to this position, you are agreeing to complete a National Security Clearance Pre-Screen Questionnaire to evaluate your general ability to obtain the required security clearance or government customer access associated with this position.

Relocation for this position is available.

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $159,000 - $200,500 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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