Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

Boeing Co.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 92,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Professional development

Job summary

The Boeing Company is seeking an Optical Design Engineer at the Starfire Optical Range in Albuquerque, NM, to lead the design, simulation, and integration of high-precision optical systems for ground-based tracking and imaging. This role involves transitioning conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional hardware for national security missions.

Associate or Mid-Level (Level 2/3) candidates will work on advanced optical architectures, interferometry, and integration with deformable

Qualifications

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance required (or equivalent).
• 2+ years of experience in optical design.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on optical design, ray tracing, and wavefront modeling using industry-standard design tools.
• Analyze optical system performance, including wavefront error, stray light, and distortion over temperature and structural variations.
• Design, model, and implement advanced optical architectures.
• Analyze interferometry, wavefront, and metrology data from real-world optical payloads to refine design tolerances and improve alignment strategies.
• Design, optimize, and validate complex optical systems in Zemax OpticStudio or Code V.
• Develop and execute optical bench testing, assembly integration, and interferometric verification to validate physical hardware against design models.
• Integrate optical designs with precision opto-mechanical mounts, active deformable mirrors, and sensor payloads on stable laboratory and telescope platforms.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

Job description

Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

Company:
The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Optical Design Engineer (Level 2 or 3) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Design Engineer to support the advancement of ground-based electro-optical tracking and imaging systems. In this role, you will lead the design, simulation, and integration of high-precision optical systems, transitioning conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional, state-of-the-art experimental hardware. This is an opportunity to utilize cutting-edge design tools and work directly with world-class, large-aperture telescopes at a historically significant military research site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of control solutions.

Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:

• Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security
• You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems
• You’ll assumeownershipfor the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application
• You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields
• We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement

Position Responsibilities:

• Perform hands-onoptical design, ray tracing, and wavefront modelingusing industry-standard design tools
• Analyze optical system performance, including wavefront error, stray light, and distortion over temperature and structural variations
• Design, model, and implementadvanced optical architectures
• Analyze interferometry, wavefront, and metrology data from real-world optical payloads torefine design tolerances and improve alignment strategies
• Design, optimize, and validate complex optical systems inZemax OpticStudio or Code V
• Develop and executeoptical bench testing, assembly integration, and interferometric verificationto validate physical hardware against design models
• Integrate optical designs withprecision opto-mechanical mounts, active deformable mirrors, and sensor payloadson stable laboratory and telescope platforms

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

• This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
• This position requires ability to obtain U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance or equivalent (Post Start)
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• 2+ years of experience in optical design
• 2+ years of experience with design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced Electro-Optical Systems
• Must be willing to work variable shifts; including days, evenings, nights, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
• Advanced study in Optical Specialization
• Experience working with adaptive optics systems
• Experience with high power lasers
• Optical System Integration: knowledge of multi-discipline integration issues applicable to infrared/electro-optical (IR/EO), visible, ultraviolet (UV), photonics, fiber, high energy laser, and optics, including reliability, availability, maintainability, testability, supportability, mechanical design, packaging, electrical, software, configuration management, environmental constraints, safety, human factors
• 5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.

Shift:

This position is for Variable shift.

Pay and Benefits :

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $91,800 - $124,200

Mid-level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 - $151,800

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Shift:

Shift 4 (United States of America)

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