Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

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

Job summary

Boeing Defense, Space and Security is seeking an Associate or Mid-Level Optical Design Engineer to join the Starfire Optical Range at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The role focuses on leading design, simulation, and integration of high-precision optical systems for space-domain awareness.

The position requires active US security clearances and offers onsite work with competitive pay ranges for Level 2 and Level 3 roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field.
• 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 (days/evenings/nights/weekends).

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 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.
• Integrate optical designs with precision opto-mechanical mounts, deformable mirrors, and sensor payloads on stable platforms.

Skills

Optical design

Electro-Optical systems

Wavefront modeling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

Matlab

Job description

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

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 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 assume ownership for 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-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

This position is expected to be 100% onsite

• The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

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

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

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

Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 14, 2026

Export Control Requirements:

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.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

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.

Shift

This position is for variable shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.