Optical Design Engineer

Waypoint Human Capital; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Waypoint’s client in Huntsville, AL seeks an Optical Design Engineer to lead integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems. The role involves significant hands-on lab work and collaboration with a development team during sensor programs.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Optics/Engineering/Physics, 5+ years in aerospace/defense, strong skills in optical design, modeling, and data analysis, and must be a US citizen eligible for a Secret clearance. On-site position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in aerospace/defense systems.
• Strong background in optical design, tolerance analysis, and materials.
• Proficiency with Zemax, CODE V, or similar (2+ years).
• Data analysis with MATLAB or Python (2+ years).
• Experience with optical experiments and documentation.
• US citizenship and eligibility for a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work during sensor development.
• Conduct optical experiments, including optical alignment and imaging system characterization.
• Perform optical system design, tolerance analysis, and evaluation of optical materials.
• Perform optical modeling using Zemax, CODE V, or similar.
• Perform data analysis and reduction using MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Author technical documentation using Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or related field

Master's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Position Title: Optical Design Engineer
Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Location: Huntsville, AL
Clearance: Secret
Salary Range: $115,000 – $180,000
Waypoint’s client is seeking a self-motivated Optical Design Engineer to build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems. This position involves significant hands-on laboratory work and interaction with team members during sensor development. The position is also contingent on the award of funding.

Responsibilities:

• Build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work during sensor development.
• Conduct optical experiments, including optical alignment and imaging system characterization.
• Perform optical system design, tolerance analysis, and evaluation of optical materials.
• Perform optical modeling using tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar.
• Perform data analysis and reduction using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
• Author technical documentation using Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in research, development, production, or operation of aerospace and defense systems.
• Strong background in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years).
• Proficiency in optical modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar (2+ years).
• Proficiency in data analysis and reduction in tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar (2+ years).
• Experience conducting optical experiments (e.g., optical alignment, imaging system characterization, etc.).
• Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel to author technical documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills.
• Must be a US Citizen and meet eligibility to obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Desired:

• Master's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years).
• 5+ years designing, producing, or utilizing opto-mechanical systems for IR, near IR, or visible spectrum applications.
• Previous experience in a lab and field environment researching and/or testing different optical, electro-optical, or opto-mechanical sensors and systems.
• Interest or prior experience in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving optical, mechanical, and electrical issues affecting optical systems.
• Willing and able to work in a clean room.