Optical Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

The Boeing Company; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 112,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Boeing Defense, Space and Security seeks an Experienced or Senior Optical Engineer to join the Starfire Optical Range at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The role focuses on designing, integrating and testing high-precision optical systems for Space Domain Awareness initiatives.

You will work with cross-disciplinary teams on adaptive optics and imaging systems, proceeding through proposals, experiments, and a 100% onsite work model at this premier facility.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or equivalent related field; US-equivalent acceptable.
• 4+ years in optical design and related software packages.
• Preferred: Top Secret/SCI clearance and adaptive optics experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, fabrication, and integration of high-precision optical systems.
• Set specifications for optical components to meet performance goals.
• Conduct trade studies and simulations to optimize designs.
• Address complex optical challenges with innovative analysis.
• Support project management with statements, budgets, schedules, and status.

Skills

4+ years of optical design

4+ years with Zemax

4+ years with Code V or OSLO

Adaptive optics experience

Modeling/Simulation (Matlab)

Team collaboration

Strong written/verbal skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

OSLO

Matlab/Mathematica

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 and Security (BDS) is looking for an Experienced or Senior Optical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The role supports the Air Force Research Lab in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities using ground-based telescopes. We are seeking candidates with experience in optical design, integration of optical systems, and field testing of systems. This position will work with extremely talented, high-performing, multi-disciplined engineering teams to work on state-of-the-art adaptive optics and optical imaging systems.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements in adaptive optics, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, laser systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversee the design, fabrication, and integration of high-precision optical systems, facilitating the transition of conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional experimental hardware
• Establish and validate technical specifications for optical systems and components to ensure adherence to performance standards
• Execute trade studies and simulations to optimize system performance and design
• Resolve complex optical challenges through innovative engineering and analysis
• Support project management by providing work statement, budget, schedule and other required inputs and by reporting project status
• Writes appropriate sections of proposals to support development of new business

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):

• 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
• 4+ years of experience in optical design
• 4+ years’ experience with optical software, Zemax, Code V, or OSLO

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Advanced study in Optical Specialization
• Active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
• Experience working with adaptive optics systems
• Experience with advanced engineering hardware design, fabrication, evaluating, and testing processes
• 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
• A strong dedication to a teaming dynamic, strong written and verbal skills, and detail oriented

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 assumeownershipfor 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.

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 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.

Experienced (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 - $151,800

Senior (Level 4) Summary pay range: $136,850 - $185,150

Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 12, 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 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.