Acquisition and Tracking Systems Lead
Mantis Space is seeking an Acquisition and Tracking Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and deployment of client acquisition, pointing, tracking, and control for laser power beaming. This role owns the full lifecycle of laser-based acquistion and tracking subsystems, including optical sensors, IR laser systems, closed-loop autonomous control, and system-level integration.
This is a technical leadership role for an engineer who has deep hands-on experience and can independently drive complex programs from concept through test and operational deployment. You will be the in-house expert for laser tracking and autonomous control systems and will play a critical role in shaping the company’s technical direction in this domain.
About Mantis Space
Mantis Space is a venture-backed aerospace company pioneering breakthrough technologies to build the first energy infrastructure in space. Headquartered in New Mexico—the cornerstone of U.S. defense R&D and a growing hub of the nation’s Space Valley—we are building from the ground up to accelerate the next generation of satellite and orbital energy infrastructure.
Our veteran-led team brings decades of leadership across space, defense, and advanced R&D, with experience at Google, Meta, AeroVironment/BlueHalo, Terran Orbital, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and Apple. With deep expertise in optics, photonics, and space systems, we are designing and delivering the infrastructure that will power the future of orbital energy and advanced aerospace operations.
Backed by Montauk Capital, Mantis Space combines the agility of a startup with the rigor, precision, and reliability required for national security, research, and commercial innovation.
Why Join Us
Build from the ground up: Directly shape our Albuquerque lab and R&D test environment.
Make an impact: Your systems will enable critical research in optics, lasers, and energy systems for space.
Grow with us: Work alongside leading engineers, operators, and investors in a mission-driven environment.
Competitive pay, full benefits, and equity in a company shaping the future of energy and space.
- Own the architecture, design, and delivery of laser acquisition, pointing, tracking, and control systems
- Lead development of laser-based tracking subsystems, including IR sensors, optics, and beam steering
- Design and implement closed-loop and autonomous tracking algorithms
- Drive system integration, test, calibration, and performance validation
- Serve as the technical authority for laser tracking systems across the organization
- Lead trade studies, define requirements, and make key technical decisions
- Mentor engineers and collaborate across hardware, software, and systems teams
- Hands-on experience with laser acquisition, pointing, tracking, and stabilization systems:
- Strong background in laser systems and electro-optical/IR sensors (time and frequency-domain optical detection and tracking methods)
- Experience with directed energy systems or laser communications
- Proven ability to design and tune closed-loop control systems for precision tracking
- Experience integrating optics, sensors, electronics, and software into a cohesive system
- Skilled in modeling, simulation, and performance analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python, similar tools)
- Hands-on experience with system integration, calibration, and test in lab and/or field environments
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Throughout the hiring process, we evaluate candidates on the following qualities:
- Intellectual Firepower: Rapidly synthesizes complex information, draws sound conclusions, and communicates with clarity
- Passion & Work Ethic: Demonstrates resilience, motivation, and high personal standards
- Ownership & Action: Assumes full accountability for outcomes, acting decisively, and ensuring commitments are delivered
- Team Player: Works collaboratively across teams, contributing to shared success, and engaging in constructive debate
- Integrity & Growth Mindset: Operates with transparency and humility, learns from setbacks, and actively seeks opportunities to grow
Mantis Space is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and focused on professional excellence. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We value a wide range of experiences and perspectives and believe they contribute to strong teams and effective problem-solving. We encourage qualified individuals to apply regardless of background. Mantis Space is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation or assistance at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.