Lead Photonics Engineer for Defense Optics — Onsite MO

Bascom Hunter; O’Fallon (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Bascom Hunter seeks a Senior Photonics Engineer in O’Fallon, MO to lead photonic circuit and optical system design from concept to production. You will model, test, specify, and verify components, working with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver integrated, producible hardware for defense and aerospace customers.

The role requires a DoD-cleared, U.S. citizen engineer with 8+ years of hands-on photonics experience, strong optical physics knowledge, and leadership with clear communication

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain DoD security clearance.
• Master's or PhD in Photonics/Optics/EE/Physics.
• 8+ years designing, testing, and troubleshooting photonic/optical systems.
• Strong foundation in optical physics (propagation, polarization, interference, diffraction).
• Proficiency with optical simulation tools and laboratory instrumentation.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and collaborate across disciplines.
• Clear written and verbal communication for customers and non‑specialists.

Responsibilities

• Photonic system design and development of devices, optical systems, laser systems, and optoelectronic components.
• Modeling and simulation to develop architectures and evaluate performance.
• Define optical requirements, specifications, performance budgets, and verification criteria.
• Select and evaluate photonic components, including light sources, detectors, fibers, waveguides, and coatings.
• Plan and execute characterization of optical components, subsystems, and integrated systems.
• Develop test methods, measurement procedures, and automated test setups.
• Analyze test data, identify root causes, and troubleshoot optical, thermal, mechanical, and integration issues.
• Work with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing staff to deliver integrated, producible products.
• Prepare specifications, test reports, procedures, and design review materials.

Skills

U.S. Citizenship

DoD security clearance

8+ years photonics/optical systems

Optical physics fundamentals

Optical simulation tools

Analytical problem solving

Technical leadership

Written and verbal communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Photonics/Optics/EE/Physics

Tools

Optical simulation tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Data analysis tools

Job description

Bascom Hunter seeks a Senior Photonics Engineer in O’Fallon, MO to lead photonic circuit and optical system design from concept to production. You will model, test, specify, and verify components, working with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver integrated, producible hardware for defense and aerospace customers.

The role requires a DoD-cleared, U.S. citizen engineer with 8+ years of hands-on photonics experience, strong optical physics knowledge, and leadership with clear communication