Optical Engineer
Job Location:
Lexington, KY - USA
Hourly Salary:
USD 110 - 120
Posted:
22 October 2026 (3 days ago)
Application Deadline:
19 January 2027
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
This job is with Encode Inc a fully owned subsidiary of LanceSoft.
Pay Rate will be between $110 - $120/h on W2
Enter Job Description...
Designs models analyzes and tests optical electro-optical and opto-mechanical systems and components including sensors lasers fiber-optics and telecommunications products. Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics lasers laser characteristics laser maintenance and broadband optical sources. Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical outcomes. Develops component specifications tolerances simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components. Uses design-to-cost models six sigma methodology and other methods to assure and verify optical design requirements are met.
Enable Skills-Based Hiring No
Qualification Assessment
Must Have
Experience
Characterization of high power fiber coupled pump sources
10 years
Cladding Pump Experience
10 years
Currently holds a Secret Clearance (OR a higher clearance)
Yes
large diameter fiber (LDF) doped fiber amplifiers and/or some limit in high power laser systems
10 years
Mitigating and studying nonlinear optics(SRS SBS MMI/TMI)
10 years
Thermal Management
10 years
Lasers
Laser Control Systems
10 years
Optics
Free-Space Optics
10 years
Nice to Have
Experience
Cladding light strippers
0 years
Cleanroom
0 years
Develope fiber pump combiners
0 years
Fiber laser thermal solutions
0 years
Background/Need
The Laser Technology and Applications Group develops application-specific solid-state lasers and beam control and diagnostics for high-energy laser systems. Examples of research activities include creating cryogenic-laser-based illuminators for sensor applications demonstrating wavelength and coherent laserbeam - combining techniques for scaling fiber amplifier and diode laser arrays to higher brightness and developing a ground terminal for an advanced NASA laser experiment to a moonorbiting satellite. These activities span the range from demonstrating innovative laser devices in the laboratory to designing and field-testing complete optical systems.
Virtual/Work from Home
Onsite
Other information relevant to the job requirement
Must Have:
Cladding pumped large diameter fiber (LDF) doped fiber amplifiers and/or some experience in high power laser systems
Familiarity with optics thermal management and laser control systems
Familiarity with the characterization of high power fiber coupled pump sources
Experience mitigating and studying nonlinear optics(SRS SBS MMI/TMI).
Nice to Have:
Cleanroom experience
Experience developing fiber pump combiners
Cladding light strippers
Fiber laser thermal solutions
Clearance:
Candidates must have an active clearance to be considered for this position. Do not submit candidates without a clearance.
Travel:
Limited travel may be required. TBD by hiring manager.
Work from Home:
This position will require the individual to be on site 80-90% of the time. Final schedule TBD by hiring manager.
Interview Process:
1st round interview will be with hiring manager. 2nd round interview will be with additional team members.
Level of Effort
Full-Time Basis
Will this position materially impact the conduct or direction of a research program(s)
No
What level of clearance is required
Top Secret
Pay Rate will be between $110 - $120/h on W2
Enter Job Description...
Designs models analyzes and tests optical electro-optical and opto-mechanical systems and components including sensors lasers fiber-optics and telecommunications products. Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics lasers laser characteristics laser maintenance and broadband optical sources. Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical outcomes. Develops component specifications tolerances simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components. Uses design-to-cost models six sigma methodology and other methods to assure and verify optical design requirements are met.
Enable Skills-Based Hiring No
Qualification Assessment
Must Have
Experience
Characterization of high power fiber coupled pump sources
10 years
Cladding Pump Experience
10 years
Currently holds a Secret Clearance (OR a higher clearance)
Yes
large diameter fiber (LDF) doped fiber amplifiers and/or some limit in high power laser systems
10 years
Mitigating and studying nonlinear optics(SRS SBS MMI/TMI)
10 years
Thermal Management
10 years
Lasers
Laser Control Systems
10 years
Optics
Free-Space Optics
10 years
Nice to Have
Experience
Cladding light strippers
0 years
Cleanroom
0 years
Develope fiber pump combiners
0 years
Fiber laser thermal solutions
0 years
Background/Need
The Laser Technology and Applications Group develops application-specific solid-state lasers and beam control and diagnostics for high-energy laser systems. Examples of research activities include creating cryogenic-laser-based illuminators for sensor applications demonstrating wavelength and coherent laserbeam - combining techniques for scaling fiber amplifier and diode laser arrays to higher brightness and developing a ground terminal for an advanced NASA laser experiment to a moonorbiting satellite. These activities span the range from demonstrating innovative laser devices in the laboratory to designing and field-testing complete optical systems.
Virtual/Work from Home
Onsite
Other information relevant to the job requirement
Must Have:
Cladding pumped large diameter fiber (LDF) doped fiber amplifiers and/or some experience in high power laser systems
Familiarity with optics thermal management and laser control systems
Familiarity with the characterization of high power fiber coupled pump sources
Experience mitigating and studying nonlinear optics(SRS SBS MMI/TMI).
Nice to Have:
Cleanroom experience
Experience developing fiber pump combiners
Cladding light strippers
Fiber laser thermal solutions
Clearance:
Candidates must have an active clearance to be considered for this position. Do not submit candidates without a clearance.
Travel:
Limited travel may be required. TBD by hiring manager.
Work from Home:
This position will require the individual to be on site 80-90% of the time. Final schedule TBD by hiring manager.
Interview Process:
1st round interview will be with hiring manager. 2nd round interview will be with additional team members.
Level of Effort
Full-Time Basis
Will this position materially impact the conduct or direction of a research program(s)
No
What level of clearance is required
Top Secret
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
LanceSoft is a global workforce solutions company connecting businesses with top talent across industries and geographies.