Lead Optics Engineer

Honeywell Aerospace; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Paid holidays

Educational assistance

Parental leave

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace is seeking a Lead Optical Systems Engineer in Ottawa to drive the design, development, and testing of optical payload systems for satellite and space applications.

The role combines hands-on lab work with model-based analysis, requiring deep expertise in optical systems, sensors, and related technologies. You will mentor junior engineers and liaise with stakeholders to meet mission objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sciences/engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years in optical design, test, and systems engineering for aerospace.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in breadboard, laboratory, or operational optical systems.
• 3+ years of optical simulation experience (Zemax, Code-V, Light Tools, Trace Pro, and other industry standard tools).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, simulation, and testing of optical payload systems for satellite and space applications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration of optical payloads with satellite systems.
• Conduct system requirements analysis and define the specifications necessary for the development of optical payload systems.
• Oversee the development of test plans and procedures and ensure thorough testing of optical components and systems.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle of optical payloads.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.

Skills

Optical systems design

Systems engineering

Leadership

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in sciences/engineering or related technical discipline

Master's degree or Ph.D

Tools

Zemax

Code-V

LightTools

TracePro

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Optical Systems Engineer to join our team. This role requires a deep understanding of both optical systems and systems engineering. You will play a critical role on a cross-disciplinary team that specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of novel, state-of-the-art optical and science instruments for military, government, and commercial space applications, including Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, space situational awareness, maritime traffic monitoring, and optical communications. Your expertise and knowledge will be instrumental in developing optical systems and performing testing to ensure successful completion of projects and the delivery of high-quality solutions.

In this role, you will collaborate with a team to execute project plans related to optical systems and test systems, ensuring all engineering requirements are fulfilled. You will provide technical assistance to fellow engineers, troubleshoot issues, and lead or contribute to the development of innovative solutions for complex customer challenges. This position requires a blend of hands‑on, in-person laboratory work and activities outside the lab, including conceptual discussions and model-based analysis, to support team members and complete your own independent tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, simulation, and testing of optical payload systems for satellite and space applications. This includes hands‑on, in-person laboratory work with physical configurations, as well as collaborative support outside the lab, involving conceptual discussions, optical modeling, and mathematical analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration of optical payloads with satellite systems.
• Conduct system requirements analysis and define the specifications necessary for the development of optical payload systems.
• Oversee the development of test plans and procedures and ensure thorough testing of optical components and systems.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle of optical payloads.
• Design, assemble, and operate optical test setups using various tools including interferometers, integrating spheres, spectrometers, various optical sensors, and light sources such as lasers and lamps, across different wavelengths.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex engineering problems related to the manufacturing and testing of optical systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements in optical payload technology.
• Ensure adherence to quality and safety standards and customer requirements.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including government agencies and partners, to ensure compliance with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.

Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in sciences, engineering, mathematcis or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in optical design, test, and systems engineering for aerospace applications.
• 8+ years of experience with optical systems, including sensors, cameras, and related technologies.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in breadboard, laboratory, or operational optical systems.
• 3+ years of optical simulation experience (Zemax, Code-V, Light Tools, Trace Pro, and other industry standard tools).

We Value:

• Master's degree or PH.D
• Experience with space mission design and integration processes.
• Experience with free-space optical communications.
• Experience with fiber lasers and/or Class 4 lasers in a breadboard, laboratory, or operational environment.
• Experience with the complete engineering lifecycle (design to volume production)
• Knowledge of satellite systems and interfaces.
• Familiarity with relevant software tools for optical design and analysis.
• Experience with Matlab.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Individuals who are self-motivated and able to work with little supervision, who consistently take the initiative to get things done, and are willing to do things before being asked by others or forced to by events.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.

The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $180,000 in Ontario. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

This position is incentive plan eligible.

This position is for a current vacancy

The Honeywell Aerospce building is a Controlled goods program environment. Candidates must be eligibie for Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and Contract Security Program (CSP) clearances.

About us:

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Benefits:

Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Electronic Solutions:

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space - from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on-time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.

As aviation continues to evolve, we're also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com

Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology that help aircraft perform safely and with precision. Our systems are on board 90% of the world's aircraft - serving commercial aviation, defense and space operators from integrated flight deck platforms with 30-plus years in service to radiation-hardened systems trusted for human spaceflight.