Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Infrared Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

The Infrared Engineer is responsible for the design, development, test, and integration of infrared (IR) imaging systems, focal plane arrays (FPAs), detectors, optics and associated electronics and software. This role combines expertise in radiometry, optical design, detector physics, signal and image processing, embedded electronics (FPGA/ASIC), and systems engineering to deliver reliable thermal imaging products across R&D, prototype, and production environments. The Infrared Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams — optics, firmware, mechanical, test engineering, and manufacturing — to define requirements, perform characterization and calibration, and ensure product performance across environmental and regulatory constraints.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Optical Engineer with a focus on IR or thermal optics.
Electrical/Embedded Engineer with experience in sensor readout, FPGA or data acquisition.
Physicist or Applied Scientist specializing in detector physics or radiometry.

Advancement To:

Senior Infrared Engineer / Principal Infrared Engineer
Lead Systems Engineer, Thermal Imaging Systems
Engineering Manager / Director of Imaging Technology
Product Manager for Thermal & Imaging Products

Lateral Moves:

Optics/Optical Systems Engineer (lens design, stray light)
Imaging Algorithm / Computer Vision Engineer (thermal analytics)
Test & Validation Engineer (environmental and qualification testing)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead the development and system-level design of infrared imaging products, including selection and specification of detectors (microbolometer, InGaAs, MCT/MCT, QWIP), lenses, filters, and read-out integrated circuits (ROIC), and produce design documentation and hardware/software interfaces to meet product requirements.
Develop and execute comprehensive detector and camera characterization plans (spectral response, NETD, MTF, responsivity, noise, gain, dynamic range, linearity, uniformity), analyze results, and recommend hardware or firmware modifications to achieve target performance.
Design and implement radiometric calibration procedures (flat-field correction, non-uniformity correction, bad pixel replacement, radiance/temperature calibration) and manage calibration transfer from R&D to production, including traceability to standards and uncertainty budgets.
Architect and prototype signal chain electronics and firmware for IR detectors, including low-noise analog front-ends, ADC selection, clocking, timing, and FPGA/ASIC-based video processing and frame timing, ensuring synchronization with sensors and optics.
Create and optimize image processing pipelines for thermal imaging (temporal filtering, spatial denoising, contrast enhancement, dynamic range compression, defect correction) in embedded environments using C/C++, hardware description languages (VHDL/Verilog), and high-level languages (Python, MATLAB) for algorithm development.
Collaborate with optical designers to specify and validate IR optics (Germanium, Zinc Selenide, chalcogenide glasses), anti-reflection coatings, and mechanical tolerances; perform stray light analysis, spot size and MTF simulations, and tolerance sensitivity studies.
Plan, commission, and operate test stations including cryogenic testbeds, vacuum chambers, calibrated blackbody sources, integrating spheres, and environmental chambers to verify detector and camera behavior across temperature, pressure, and humidity ranges.
Define system-level requirements, build verification and validation (V&V) plans, write test procedures, and lead formal qualification testing against MIL-STD, DO-160, IEC, ISO, or other applicable standards for reliability, shock, vibration, and thermal cycling.
Drive root-cause investigations for optical/electrical/image anomalies (ghosting, blooming, cross-talk, fixed pattern noise), propose corrective actions, and work with suppliers or internal teams to implement design or process changes.
Interface with supply chain and manufacturing teams to transfer camera designs to production: generate DFx/DFM inputs, support yield improvement initiatives, create assembly and test instructions, and define acceptance criteria and ATE (automated test equipment) requirements.
Lead trade studies and component selection efforts balancing cost, performance, manufacturability and supply risk (detector vendor evaluation, optical material selection, ROIC options, packaging technologies).
Develop firmware and low-level drivers for detector control and data acquisition; implement real-time telemetry, diagnostics, and health monitoring to support fielded IR systems and remote updates.
Integrate and validate system-level features such as autofocus/zoom optics, multi-spectral or dual-band imaging, image fusion with visible cameras, and stabilization techniques for moving platforms (gimbals, UAVs, handheld).
Create and maintain modeling and simulation tools for thermal radiometry, optical throughput, and performance prediction (radiometric transfer functions, MTF/PSF modeling), and validate models against empirical data.
Provide hands-on support to prototype and production builds, including optical alignment, packaging, connectorization, thermal management, and mechanical integration ensuring hermetic sealing and thermal stability for sensitive detectors.
Define reliability test plans and life-cycle testing, analyze failure modes (FMEA), and recommend design margins and mitigation strategies for long-term stability and calibration retention.
Collaborate with firmware, software, and machine vision teams to expose thermal data for analytics, implement APIs, ensure accurate metadata (timestamping, geolocation, calibration coefficients), and support integration with customer systems.
Maintain documentation including requirements, design reviews, test reports, calibration certificates, and technical drawings to support regulatory compliance, sourcing, and field maintenance.
Mentor and train junior engineers, define best practices for IR system development, and lead technical reviews to continuously improve design and test processes.
Manage technical interface with external partners, suppliers, and academic collaborators; prepare technical proposals, evaluate third-party IP, and negotiate technical specifications and lead times.
Stay current on emerging IR detector technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes (e.g., uncooled microbolometers, SWIR/InGaAs arrays, cryocoolers, new ROIC architectures) and propose strategic technology roadmaps.

Secondary Functions

Assist sales and applications engineering teams with technical pre-sales support, customer demonstrations, and proof-of-concept builds to translate customer requirements into feasible IR solutions.
Support field failures and service engineering by providing troubleshooting guidance, performing root-cause testing on returned units, and defining repair or refurbishment instructions.
Contribute to proposals and statements of work for new projects, providing technical estimates, risk assessments, and milestones for IR subsystem development.
Participate in safety and compliance activities, including risk assessments and documentation for export control (ITAR/Export Administration Regulations) where applicable.
Support continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing and test processes to reduce cycle time and improve measurement repeatability and calibration throughput.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep knowledge of infrared detector technologies (uncooled microbolometer, InGaAs, MCT/HgCdTe, QWIP) including operation principles, trade-offs, and vendor ecosystems.
Radiometry and thermography expertise: converting radiance to temperature, NETD, responsivity, emissivity corrections and uncertainty analysis.
Optical design fundamentals for IR wavelengths: lens materials (Ge, ZnSe, chalcogenides), coatings, AR considerations, and stray light control.
Detector readout and analog front-end design: low-noise amplifiers, ADC selection, timing/clock generation, and signal integrity best practices.
Image and signal processing: non-uniformity correction (NUC), bad pixel mapping, MTF measurement, denoising, and real-time embedded algorithms.
Firmware and embedded development: C/C++, device drivers, RTOS experience, and integration with FPGA (VHDL/Verilog) for real-time processing.
Test and measurement proficiency with IR-specific equipment: calibrated blackbodies, spectrometers, vacuum/cryogenic systems, and optical benches.
Modeling and simulation tools: Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V for optics, MATLAB/Python for data analysis and algorithm prototyping, and thermal modeling tools.
Systems engineering skills: requirements derivation, V&V plans, risk management, and configuration control.
Understanding of environmental qualification standards (MIL-STD, DO-160, IEC) and reliability testing methods for thermal imaging products.
PCB and connector knowledge relevant to low-noise sensor electronics and hermetic packaging.
Experience with calibration labs and standards traceability (NIST-referenced blackbodies, radiometric calibration chains).
Familiarity with manufacturing transfer processes, DFx/DFM principles, and test automation (ATE) for camera assembly and calibration.

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to investigation and decision-making.
Clear technical communication and documentation ability for cross-functional teams and external partners.
Project management and prioritization: balance multiple concurrent tasks, milestones, and stakeholder expectations.
Mentorship and team leadership mindset; ability to teach practical lab and design skills to junior colleagues.
Customer-focused orientation with the ability to translate technical trade-offs into business impact and customer value.
Adaptability and drive to stay current with advancing IR technologies and evolving product requirements.
Attention to detail and commitment to quality and repeatability in testing and manufacturing handoffs.
Collaborative and diplomatic interpersonal skills for supplier negotiations and cross-discipline integration.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.

Preferred Education:

Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on sensors/infrared technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Optical Engineering / Photonics
Electrical Engineering (Sensors & Electronics)
Applied Physics (Detector Physics, Radiometry)
Mechanical Engineering (Thermal & Packaging)
Computer Science / Engineering (Image Processing, Embedded Systems)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3–10+ years of hands-on experience in infrared imaging, detector characterization, optical systems design, or related roles.

Preferred:

5+ years designing, testing, and integrating IR cameras or thermal imaging systems with demonstrated project ownership from concept through production; experience with cryogenic detectors or space/aerospace applications is a plus.