Job Title: Data Scientist IJob DescriptionAs a Data Scientist I located at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will be integral to the modeling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads that bolster national defense space missions. This highly technical role involves simulating electro-optical phenomenology and demonstrating these technologies in the lab with pioneering prototypes. You will conduct data collection and analysis of optical imagery to evaluate system performance metrics, develop algorithms, perform radiometric analysis, and understand optical systems using standard modeling tools. Collaboration with cross-functional teams in Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, and Systems Engineering is crucial to developing and demonstrating optical and system-level technologies. Join a dedicated team tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and shaping the future of space exploration.
Responsibilities
- Guide and author data collection and analysis software.
- Analyze and assess payload calibration and algorithm development.
- Collaborate closely with firmware development, electronics interface control, and optical teams.
- Utilize investigative and troubleshooting skills to resolve issues in the lab and field.
- Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines.
- Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project development matters.
- Provide status updates on assigned tasks and program schedules.
- Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues.
- Manage time and resources to meet assigned deadlines.
- Develop detection and calibration algorithms for optical systems throughout their product lifecycle.
- Simulate all parts of the electro-optical payloads, including radiometric, detector, and optical prescriptions.
- Be a self-starter who identifies problems and presents solutions.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field (Masters or PhD preferred).
- Ability to obtain security clearance.
- Experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and/or data analysis.
- Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, C/C++.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor systems.
- Experience writing alignment procedures, test scripts, and verification plans.
- Experience with automated test equipment or optical STE.
- Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.
- Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization.
- Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based onsite five days a week with a flexible start time between 7am and 9am. You will join a world-class Space Systems team that has enabled over 1,700 missions, contributing to interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security and defense initiatives. The team is dedicated to building spacecraft, payloads, and components for ambitious missions, working alongside partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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