Lead Optical Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices
• Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software.
• Develop and execute optical test plans to validate system performance at component, subsystem, and payload levels.
• Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures.
• Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload integration and end-of-line testing.
• Support manufacturing and assembly processes involving optics, including defining handling procedures, contamination control, and alignment processes.
• Analyze test data and troubleshoot optical performance issues during development, integration, and production.
• Support root-cause investigations for optical performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements.
• Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary responsibility, such as structural or thermal simulation, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 5-10+ years of experience in optical design or a related field
• Strong understanding of physics, optics materials, and/or laser systems Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, Light tool or similar)
• Experience with imaging systems or laser systems
• Experience with OnShape, Solidworks, or similar CAD
• Strong understanding of thermal and structural analysis of optical designs
• Experience with optomechanical alignment, calibration and testing procedures
• Preferred experience with optics designed for visible, NIR, and LWIR transmission