Optical Engineer

Leidos; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer for the Emerging Space Systems Division to design, model, and validate optical payloads for next-generation space missions. The role balances analytical work with hands-on lab tasks in a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical design tools (e.g., Zemax, CODE V), experience with alignment, testing, and metrology, and a track record of contributing to space-based sensing systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field with 8+ years of experience.
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.
• Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems.
• Hands-on laboratory activities including optical alignment, testing, and characterization.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams; document results.

Skills

Optical design

Modeling

Laboratory testing

Optical alignment

Metrology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/Optics

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

COMSOL

Lumerical

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? 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.

Are you ready for your next career challenge? 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".

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 customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.

Responsibilities

In this role 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, performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.

You will 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—analyse 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 related field with 8+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Must be U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance.
• Experience with optical system modeling, 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 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 modeling 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.

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. For details, visit www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

EEO Statement

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.