Optical Engineer

PAE Government Services Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 106,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Amentum seeks a researcher at the Naval Research Laboratory to advance radiation dosimetry and undersea sensing technologies. The role emphasizes instrumentation, experimental design and software development.

You will contribute to publications and reports while supporting projects to develop radiation hardened sensors. A MSc or PhD in Optics or Physics is required, with Matlab knowledge preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience with instrumentation, interfacing, and software development.
• Experience in lab experimentation and circuit design.
• Knowledge of Matlab would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on radiation dosimetry, undersea sensing and related sensing techniques.
• Support applied research programs to develop radiation hardened sensors and undersea sensing techniques.
• Contribute to technical reports and scientific publications.

Skills

Instrumentation experience

Interfacing

Software development

Lab experimentation

Circuit design

Education

MSc or PhD Optics/Physics

Tools

Matlab

Job description

Purpose and Impact

Our research at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) includes fiber optic sensors for acoustic, seismic, electric and magnetic fields, fiber optic sensors for strains and damage in structures, sensors for chemical, biological and explosive materials. We provide R&D for novel materials such as multicomponent polymers for optical, electronic and mechanical applications. We also provide material science for materials with superior thermal, mechanical and optical properties. Amentum has supported the Optics Division since 1977.

Work Schedule

9-5/40 Hour Week

Essential Responsibilities

• Conduct research on radiation dosimetry, undersea sensing and related sensing techniques.
• Support applied research programs to develop radiation hardened sensors and undersea sensing techniques.
• Contribute to technical reports and scientific publications.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands

Lab Research/Field Testing/Desk

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Experience with instrumentation, interfacing, and software development.
• Experience in lab experimentation and circuit design.

Security Clearance Required

Secret, but candidates can start as uncleared. In the instance that an uncleared candidate is selected, candidate must complete paperwork sent by Amentum’s PERSEC team upon offer acceptance. Once the candidate completes everything required and PERSEC has submitted them for clearance processing, they may start with Amentum in an uncleared capacity. PERSEC will then 'hand them off' to the FSO. However, since it takes quite some time for NRL’s badging and building access, the program may submit that paperwork as soon as the offer has been extended.

Minimum Education

MSc or PhD Optics/Physics

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Matlab would be beneficial.

Other Responsibilities

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

Compensation Details

$106,000 - $120,000 The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements.

Original Posting

10/16/2026 - Until Filled Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Accommodation Request

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please complete our Accommodation Request.

Contact

If you need assistance, please reach out to [e-mail]