Lead, Optical Engineering

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 is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Code: 40948

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models, developing and implementing test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Our projects span imaging systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems.

Essential Functions:

• 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.
• Must be able to obtain a US DoD Secret security clearance

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Experience in using Zemax and/or Code V optical software for advanced design and analysis purposes.
• Experience with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
• Familiarity with evaluating and selecting vendors to supply critical components for advanced systems.
• Familiarity interfacing generative AI with traditional optical modeling tools
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.