Associate Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

QinetiQ US; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking a new-graduate optical engineer to join our EOIR team. You will assist with optical design, laboratory characterization, and prototype integration of multi-band imaging sensors and laser optics.

The role involves collaboration across engineering disciplines to transition concepts into production and support fielded systems. You will work on visible and infrared optics spanning NIR to LWIR, with opportunities to travel to QinetiQ sites and customer locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related discipline.
• Understanding of multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR.
• Knowledge of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser optics.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10% to support project needs, including site visits.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance.
• Experience with imaging sensors and optics in defense-oriented contexts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior optical engineers in designing multi-band EOIR imaging systems.
• Support prototype integration and laboratory characterization of EOIR optics.
• Contribute to documentation of optical design and testing procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams from concept through manufacturing.
• Assist with requirements analysis and performance specification definition.
• Help transition optical designs from prototyping to production.

Skills

Multi-band EOIR optics

Imaging sensor optics

Travel readiness

DOD Secret clearance eligibility

Optical CAD software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering

Tools

Optical CAD software

Job description

Company Overview We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR). QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is looking for a new-grad optical engineer to assist with electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team. In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You’ll support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more— you’ll help provide the sensing capability that enables the ‘observe’ stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop. You will work with Key technologies, including:

* Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)

• EOIR sensors
• Tactical lasers, Class 1–4

Success in this role is defined as contributing to robust EOIR optical designs, assisting prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

• Assist our Sr. Principal optical engineer and others in the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser optics for next-generation defense systems.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment. In this role, you will assist with and learn:
• Requirements Analysis and Specification Definition
• Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define optical, imaging sensor, and display specifications
• Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi-band electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems
• Imaging Sensor Optical Design
• Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software
• Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software
• Select appropriate optical components to meet program requirements
• Laboratory Optical Characterization
• Utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts
• Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type
• Test and validate delivered optical assemblies
• Construct test stations as needed to support program test and validation requirements
• Prototype Integration
• Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, and lasers
• Perform precise alignment and bore sighting of optical components and sub-assemblies in multi-aperture multi-band and imaging and laser systems
• Transition to Manufacturing
• Document technical specifications and processes
• Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments

• Required Qualifications * Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related discipline
• Understanding of multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)
• Knowledge of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser optics
• Must be willing to travel (up to 10%) to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance
• Preferred Qualifications * Coursework, lab work, or internship experience in optics for imaging sensors
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Experience with relevant optical CAD software
• Prior internship or work experience, especially with a defense-oriented company
• Active DOD Secret level clearance Pay Transparency The salary range for this role is $74,850–$95,800USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Company EEO Statement Accessibility/Accommodation: If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.