Optical Engineer (Associate)

The Boeing Company; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 92,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boeing Company in Albuquerque, NM seeks an Optical Engineer to support the development of high-performance Directed Energy and Electro-Optical Systems. This on-site role requires strong electro-optics expertise and hands-on experience with laser and fiber-optic components.

Responsibilities include modeling, requirements validation, system integration, testing, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, with eligibility for U.S. Top Secret/SCI clearance for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Experience in electro-optics design, analysis and testing.
• Experience with EO/IR systems development, integration and validation.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and validating requirements for electro-optical systems, sensors, lasers, and other EM systems.
• Assist in architectures to integrate multiple systems into higher-level platforms.
• Perform trade studies, modeling, simulation to optimize design around complex requirements.
• Assist in designing complex electro-optical and laser systems.
• Assist in developing modeling and simulation techniques.
• Assist in testing to validate performance against requirements.
• Support project management with status data.

Skills

Electro-Optics

Lasers

Fiber optics

Clearance TS/SCI (preferred)

Cross-discipline teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Zemax

CodeV

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.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Laser and Electro-Optical systems (LEOS) seeks an Optical Engineer to support development of high performance Directed Energy Systems and Electro-Optical Systems.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in development and validation of requirements for electro-optical systems, sensor, laser, and other electromagnetic systems and components.
• Assist in developing architectures to integrate multiple systems into higher level systems and platforms.
• Perform trade studies, modeling, simulation, and other forms of analysis to predict component, interconnects and system performance and to optimize design around complex requirements,
• Assist in designing complex electro-optical and laser systems.
• Assist in developing new and improved modeling and simulation techniques.
• Assist in development and implementation of critical tests to validate performance of designs to requirements.
• Support product lifecycle with guidance and support to resolve complex issues.
• Support project management by preparing and presenting project status data.
• Perform some work in a clean room environment.

This position is expected to be fully on site in Albuquerque, NM.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

• Ability, after starting in the position, to obtain U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship.
• 1+ years minimum of related experience.
• Education or work experience in Electro-Optics.
• Experience with Electro Optical (ex: producing specifications, tolerances, simulations, assembly, integration and test of fiber optic (F/O) sensors, systems and components, including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products).
• Experience in laser and electro-optical systems and optical communication systems requirements development, integration, testing and analysis.
• If not already within commuting distance of Albuquerque, NM, willingness and ability to relocate at own expense.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Active TS/SCI.
• Experience effectively communicating and collaborating on multi-discipline teams.
• Experience in electro-optical design and analysis using Zemax, CodeV or an equivalent software design package.
• Experience performing analysis on EO/IR systems.

Typical Education & Experience:

Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 2 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

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.

Pay & 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.

Summary Pay Range (Associate - Level 2): $91,800 - $124,200

Applications for this position will be accepted until Sept. 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

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st 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.