Electronics and Optics System Design Engineer

Battelle; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Tuition assistance

401(k) retirement plan

Medical/dental/vision

Paid time off

Job summary

Battelle in Columbus, OH seeks an Electronics and Optics System Design Engineer for a full-time role. You'll design advanced electronic and electromechanical systems for government and industry, lead projects, and contribute to proposals. The job requires a solid EE/CE background, optical know-how, and ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

The position offers a hybrid work option, a strong benefits package, and growth opportunities across a diverse project portfolio.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS EE/BS CE with minimum 3 years experience or related degree with more experience
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills in electrical engineering fundamentals
• Knowledge of optical communication basics and fiber construction
• Experience with connectors, splicing, cable handling, and cable management
• Proficiency with VFL, OTDRs, optical dispersion testers, and related documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Visio, Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams toward common project goals
• Design complex electronic systems with block diagrams and schematics
• Perform calculations and simulations for system performance and trade studies
• Create wiring diagrams, PCB layout reviews, and related documentation
• Write test plans and support testing, debugging, and issue resolution
• Interpret requirements to inform engineering decisions
• Provide ongoing design support post-delivery
• Contribute to proposals and business development
• Generate technical manuals, procedures, and reports
• Solve problems with quality within schedule and budget

Skills

Electrical fundamentals

Optical communication

Fiber optics

Documentation

Team leadership

Education

ABET-accredited BS EE/BS CE or related field with experience

MS/PhD in related field with experience

Tools

Visio

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking an Electronics and Optics System Design Engineer. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH.

The selected individual will join a team responsible for designing complex, advanced-technology electronic and electromechanical systems for government and industry customers. The ideal candidate brings the motivation to learn on the job, the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, strong time management skills, and an interest in working across a diverse portfolio of projects.

Professional growth will extend beyond technical expertise to include contributing to proposal efforts, building relationships with internal clients, participating in IR&D studies, and supporting business development initiatives led by others.

Responsibilities

As an Electronics and Optics System Design Engineer, the selected individual will contribute to the full lifecycle of advanced electronic and electromechanical system design. Responsibilities may include:

• Lead engineering teams toward common project goals, driving collaboration and accountability
• Design complex electronic systems by generating block diagrams, concept designs, and circuit board schematics
• Perform calculations and simulations to predict system performance and conduct trade studies for component identification and selection
• Create wiring diagrams, wire harness drawings, PCB layout reviews, and associated CCA documentation
• Write test plan documents, support technicians with test setup construction, and perform testing, debugging, and error resolution using standard electrical laboratory equipment
• Interpret, research, and understand design requirements to inform sound engineering decisions
• Provide technical expertise and ongoing support for designs post-delivery
• Contribute to proposal efforts and support business development activities as needed
• Generate appropriate documentation including technical manuals, procedures, and summary presentations and reports
• Solve complex problems with a commitment to quality results within schedule and budget constraints

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS EE) or Computer Engineering (BS CE) from an ABET-accredited program with a minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience (relevant research, internship, and co‑op experience counts); or a bachelor's degree in a related field with 8 years of experience; or a master's degree in a related field with 5 years of experience; or a PhD in a related field with 2 years of experience
• Demonstrated mastery of electrical engineering fundamentals with a strong analytical approach to problem solving
• Demonstrated knowledge of optical communication basics, including fiber construction, transmission theory, design, and optimized use
• Knowledge of connectors, splicing, cable handling, and cable management
• Proficiency with Visual Fault Locators (VFL), optical loss testing, optical time‑domain reflectometers (OTDRs), optical dispersion testers, optical fiber splicing, and optical test standards and documentation
• Understanding of general optical test best practices, including impacts of fiber type mismatches, optical loss testing with mandrel, and ANSI/TIA‑526 test methods
• Proficiency in optical fiber and laser safety, as well as active and passive component design within Link Loss Budgets
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Visio, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Must be a sole U.S. citizen and must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• MIL‑STD‑2042B (M28876) training and certification
• Experience with optical fiber recoating
• Experience with embedded systems design, programming, and troubleshooting
• Hands‑on mechanical and electrical experience using standard tools and methods (e.g., soldering, crimping, hand tools, and lab or field debugging)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across technical disciplines to solve complex, multifaceted problems

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $105,000 – $150,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers