Pablo I. Hopman

Dr. Pablo I. Hopman is an assistant head of Lincoln Laboratory’s Space Systems and Technology Division where he supports the research, development, and deployment of novel space systems and sensors to address emerging challenges in the space mission area.

Hopman joined the Laboratory in 2000 as a technical staff member in the Space Control Systems Group, where he worked on the development of optical systems for various space situational awareness sensors. In 2003 he transferred to the Advanced Space Systems and Concepts Group, where he helped bring optical and camera technologies into systems for space situational awareness, space control, and airborne persistent surveillance. During this time, he led the development of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode arrays for free-space laser communication receivers; created and managed the Compact Lasercom Terminal program; and pioneered a novel space-based sensing approach culminating in the SensorSat program.

In 2012, Hopman joined the Advanced Imagers and Silicon Technology Group as the associate group leader where he led the development of critical detector technologies used across the Laboratory. As the leader of the Advanced Electro-Optical Systems Group, he played a key role in the setup and initial program management of several small satellite initiatives, including TROPICS. He also continued to lead development of several focal plane technologies in airborne and space surveillance systems.

In 2020, Hopman left the Laboratory to serve as the advanced sensor architect at Waymo for their self-driving vehicles. In 2021, Hopman moved to Archer Aviation, where he was the architecture lead for the autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft flight program. He returned to Lincoln Laboratory in 2022 as principal staff in the Space Systems and Technology Division where he focused on developing advanced sensing systems and dynamic space capabilities.

Hopman received a BS degree in physics from the University of California, Davis, and MS and PhD degrees in physics from Cornell University.