Associate Opto-Mechanical Engineer

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

Job summary

QinetiQ US seeks a new‑grad opto‑mechanical engineer to assist with EOIR imaging sensor system design, laboratory characterization, and prototype integration. You will help bridge optical and mechanical engineering to enable rugged, production‑ready assemblies.

You will design mechanical housings and mounts, support multi‑discipline teams throughout the life cycle, and may travel up to 10% to QinetiQ sites and customer locations to advance programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical or mechanical engineering or closely related field.
• Understanding of opto‑mechanical systems including mounts and structures.
• Willing to travel up to 10% to support project needs, including site visits.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design and development of EOIR imaging sensor sub‑assemblies for defense systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support full product life cycle.
• Support laboratory characterization, validation, and prototyping efforts.
• Design mechanical housings, mounts, and alignment tools for optical components.
• Transition prototypes to manufacturing with documented specs and processes.
• Perform thermal and shock analysis on optical/mechanical assemblies.

Skills

Opto‑mechanical design

CAD software

Laboratory testing

Technical writing

Travel up to 10%

Education

Bachelor's degree in optical or mechanical engineering

Tools

Optical/Mechanical CAD

Job description

Associate Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Job Location: US-VA-Lorton

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 opto‑mechanical engineer to assist with electro‑optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor system design, laboratory characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team. You will design and build the ruggedized physical structures, mounts, and mechanisms that hold optical components, bridging optical design and mechanical engineering.

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:

• Optical benches combining various EOIR sensors and tactical lasers (class 1-4)
• Optical boresight and stabilization
• Materials science, especially glass, metal, and adhesive performance under temperature and shock
• Thermal analysis and design

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.

Responsibilities

Assist our Sr. Principal optical engineer and others in the design and development of multi‑band multi‑aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser sub‑assemblies 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 opto‑mechanical specifications
• Laboratory Optical Characterization
  • Utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts
  • Test and validate delivered optical bench assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements
  • Design test stations and construct laboratory apparatus as needed to support program test and validation requirements
  • Design/specify specialized alignment tools
• Optics Bench Design and Prototype Integration
  • Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, windows, and lasers.
  • Perform precise alignment and bore sighting of optical components and sub‑assemblies in multi‑aperture multi‑band and imaging and laser systems.
  • Perform thermal and shock analysis
  • Design of mechanical and housing assemblies
  • Application of sound materials science and tolerancing principles
  • Design, analysis, testing, and validation of athermalized optical mounts and adjustment mechanisms
• 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 or mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Understanding of opto‑mechanical systems, including physical structures, mounts, and mechanisms that hold optical components
• Knowledge of EOIR subsystems, including cameras, optics, windows, and lasers
• Knowledge of opto‑mechanical design and fabrication
• 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 or sensors
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Experience with relevant optical and mechanical 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-$95,800 USD. 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 [e-mail] 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.