Optical Engineer

Leidos; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, modeling, and testing of advanced optical payloads for next-generation space missions. You will work across simulation and laboratory environments, performing alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems.

The role emphasizes both analytical and hands-on work, with collaboration across cross-functional teams and a potential for growth in diffractive/meta-optics and related technologies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with optical engineering or a related field.
• Experience with optical system modelling, simulation, or analysis.
• Laboratory experience including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical payloads for space missions.
• Perform optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization in the lab.
• Contribute to system-level trade studies and documentation of results.

Job description

Description

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next‑generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.

What You'll Do:

You will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system‑level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high‑performance payloads.

You will also play a hands‑on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies—such as diffractive and meta‑optics—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• Experience with optical system modelling, simulation, or analysis.
• Familiarity with optical performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric considerations
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher‑level clearance (TS/SCI)
• Experience with infrared optical systems or sensors
• Hands‑on experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical metrology
• Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE V
• Experience with modelling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent
• Experience with electronic design automation tools and file formats (e.g., GDSII)
• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta‑optics, or integrated photonics

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large‑scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting

August 19, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.