Optical Test and Measurement Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Englewood (CO); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

and more

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corp is seeking a Scientist III to lead high‑impact R&D projects in its ISR/Aviation and Security sectors. You will guide teams, design experiments, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while mentoring junior scientists and collaborating with cross‑functional groups to deliver innovative solutions.

The role emphasizes developing, validating, and documenting test procedures, performing data analyses, and sustaining sophisticated optical test systems in a hybrid lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering.
• 6+ years in R&D with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Higher level degree may substitute for experience.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced scientific software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and conducting optical tests on components, systems, and devices.
• Operate and maintain optical test equipment such as spectrometers, power meters, and microscopes.
• Collect, organize, and document measurement data accurately and efficiently.
• Perform basic data analysis to identify trends and discrepancies, and prepare summary reports.
• Support the development and validation of test procedures by following established protocols.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues and verify specs.
• Participate in maintaining and calibrating optical test equipment to ensure reliable results.
• Assist with optical simulations and modeling tasks to support product development.
• Contribute to general laboratory upkeep, organization, and safety practices.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Scientific experiments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field

Job description

Do you have a passion to learn and test new ideas? Join our team of Scientists! As a Scientist III you will lead high-impact research and development projects, applying expert-level scientific knowledge and methodologies to drive innovation. You will provide strategic direction to research teams, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge solutions. Your work will involve ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and technology. The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in setting up and conducting optical tests on components, systems, and devices under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Operate and maintain optical test equipment such as spectrometers, power meters, and microscopes.
• Collect, organize, and document measurement data accurately and efficiently.
• Perform basic data analysis to identify trends and discrepancies, and prepare summary reports for review by the engineering team.
• Support the development and validation of test procedures by following established protocols and providing feedback for improvements.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues and verify compliance with specifications.
• Participate in maintaining and calibrating optical test equipment to ensure reliable results.
• Assist with optical simulations and modeling tasks to support product development and problem-solving.
• Contribute to general laboratory upkeep, organization, and safety practices.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field such as Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Engineering.
• 6+ years of experience in research and development or a related field, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced scientific software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of scientific principles and practices.
• Experience in designing and conducting scientific experiments.
• Documented record of accomplishments in the relevant field.
• Ability to solve moderate to complex analytical problems and provide solutions that meet technical objectives.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Research experience in an optics laboratory environment
• Experience using/troubleshooting vacuum systems
• Experience operating and aligning Class IV laser systems
• Knowledge and understanding of opto-mechanical assemblies

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, requiring regular use of hand and finger dexterity.
• Conduct experiments, requiring the ability to stand for extended periods and handle laboratory equipment.
• Occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a laboratory environment, potentially exposed to hazardous materials and requiring adherence to safety protocols.
• Travel may be required to attend conferences, meetings, or conduct field research.
• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment, as needed.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $131,010.00 - $180,138.75. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

• medical
• dental
• vision plans
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
• life insurance
• 3 weeks paid time off
• tuition reimbursement
• and more

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber. As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.