Spacecraft Lighting Systems Engineer

We are seeking a talented Spacecraft Lighting Systems Engineer to join our team working on the Simulation and Advanced Software Services II Contract. This role focuses on the design, development, and integration of lighting systems for spacecraft. Candidates with experience in lighting systems from industries like automotive, aviation, architectural, or industrial environments are encouraged to apply, as we value transferable skills in illumination analysis and technology. This is an opportunity to adapt your expertise to the unique challenges of space missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the specification, design, and development of advanced lighting systems for spacecraft interiors (e.g., crew cabins, control panels) and exteriors (e.g., docking lights, surface illumination).
• Serve as a Lighting Subject Matter Expert (SME) for research, development, and verification of lighting systems for human-rated vehicles
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and human factors engineering teams to integrate lighting systems into spacecraft architectures, ensuring compatibility with power, thermal, and structural constraints.
• Optimize lighting for variable conditions, including low-gravity, radiation, and power efficiency, while addressing human-centric aspects like circadian rhythm support and task-specific illumination.
• Plan and execute testing protocols (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI) to ensure lighting systems perform reliably in space-like conditions.
• Stay current with the newest lighting and modeling technologies available.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of interacting with stakeholders in all roles and levels of the organization.
• Experience in a lighting-related field or with adjacent spaceflight systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with lighting systems for harsh environments (e.g., automotive exterior lights, aviation runway systems, or industrial hazardous area lighting).
• Familiarity with spacecraft lighting applications, such as habitat illumination, navigation lights, or payload lighting, though not required.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on lighting components and mitigation strategies.
• Experience with human factors in lighting design (e.g., circadian lighting, glare reduction).
• Understanding of space mission requirements or standards (e.g., MIL-STD, NASA-STD).
• Familiarity with electrical system design, including power distribution, dimming controls, and thermal management.

Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

About METECS:

We are a high-performance team providing advanced engineering, software, and simulation solutions for government (including NASA) and other commercial customers utilizing a wide variety of in-house, commercial, and open-source technologies. Our specialties include robotics automation, hardware/software integration, immersive computer graphics, XR systems and advanced web-based tools.

METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.