Lead Optical Engineer – Defense Tech (9/80, Secret)

L3Harris Technologies; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Fort Wayne, IN seeks an Optical Design Engineer to develop and validate optical systems for aerospace programs. You will specify and qualify active/passive components, build performance models, and implement test procedures for UV to LWIR imaging systems, ensuring alignment with program requirements.

The role emphasizes practical optical engineering and collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 9+ years of related experience; graduate degree with 7+ years.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of related experience.
• Experience using Zemax and/or Code V for optical design and analysis.
• Experience with FRED or similar stray light analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical design and analysis on advanced telescopes, calibrators, and unique optical test sets.
• Develop optical budgets and sensitivities including wavefront error, MTF, line of sight, and throughput.
• Perform analyses to show compliance with optical requirements and specifications for imaging systems, assemblies, component drawings, coatings, manufacturability, etc.
• Provide optical modeling, analysis, image simulations, and metrology support during system alignment, integration and testing.
• Support the development of optical technologies and architectural concepts to support the company’s current and new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
• Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.

Skills

Zemax/Code V

Stray light analysis

MATLAB

Optical modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Graduate degree

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

Job description

L3Harris Technologies in Fort Wayne, IN seeks an Optical Design Engineer to develop and validate optical systems for aerospace programs. You will specify and qualify active/passive components, build performance models, and implement test procedures for UV to LWIR imaging systems, ensuring alignment with program requirements.

The role emphasizes practical optical engineering and collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams.