Principal Optical Engineer

Do you dream of space Do you imagine working on exquisite imaging systems that operate in the extreme environment of space and deliver timely information to support our national security Do you want to test how far your imagination can take you

If so we are looking for you our next Principal Optical Engineer to work in San Diego CA as part of a small team to develop test and deliver operational onorbit IR payloads. Be an integral part of a small dynamic team multidiscipline team to develop quickturn mission critical solutions that will improve end user capabilities. We know youll take great satisfaction in applying theory and technical creativity to rapidly develop impactful solutions for national defense space platforms.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career share your resume with us today!

Primary Responsibilities

• Design novel optical imaging systems select components and analyze tolerances to support product development and manufacturing.

• Expert technical knowledge of a variety of principles theories and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
• Ability to lead implementation of optical alignment techniques optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers autocollimators measuring/toolmaker microscope lasers etc.

• Generates optical module or system concepts to meet product requirements.

• Performs development activities including requirements definition engineering reviews risk evaluations verification testing and documentation.

• Work with suppliers on custom or semicustom component selection specification and qualification.
• Assemble and evaluate prototypes including optical characteristics image quality (MTF) light polarization measurement and thermal characteristics.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notes of the experimental results and create necessary program documentation.

• Troubleshoot and analyze failures or performance gaps in optical systems plan and conduct investigations and determine solutions.

• Evaluate new test / process equipment and tools and provide recommendations.
• Document prototype assembly procedures that can be used for subsequent manufacturing process documentation.
• Identify potential roadblocks and develop solutions where the solution is not always well defined but always considers the operational capability first.
• Work to improve performance metrics through critical planning and of development tasks.

• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning handling and packaging.

• Participates in project planning including key deliverables timeline and budget with tracking of actions and alignment of schedules.
• Assemble and test optomechanical and electrooptic prototypes.
• Advanced understanding of materials and mounting methods for optomechanical systems.
• Advanced understanding of preparation and use of primers one and two part adhesives and elastomers.
• Mentor other engineers and technicians in optical design error budgets error analysis optical fabrication techniques alignment methods and optical meteorology tools.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Optical Engineering or similar from an accredited college or university.
• 1520 years work experience in optical design including design of imaging systems.
• Experience with optical design software such as Code V LightTools and/or Zemax including tolerance analysis and stray light modeling.
• Experience with optical system assembly methods and materials.
• Familiarity with the tools and techniques needed to characterize optical systems including resolution distortion field curvature and colorimetry.
• Experience troubleshooting the lab setups and systems and perform root cause failure analysis & stray light analysis.
• Experience with the transfer of new designs and processes to manufacturing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance. (U.S. Citizenship is required)
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in San Diego California.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a development team.
• Selfmotivation and comfort working in a fastmoving hightech environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or PhD or a demonstrated understanding of Optical Physics and first principlesbased approach to problem solving.
• Development experience in spacebased systems.
• Experience defining and simulating detailed optical requirements based on future product needs.
• Experience in system level imaging system analysis.
• Familiarity with a camera image pipeline and its relationship to lens performance.
• Current and active DoD Secret clearance.
• Willing to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.