Principal Optical Engineer

Draper Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Security clearance support

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to design, develop, and test optical technologies and systems. You will create and verify prototypes, develop test procedures, and collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure qualification and manufacturability of new solutions.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor's in Optical Engineering or Physics, 10–15 years of optical engineering experience, and strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or Physics required.
• Masters/PhD preferred for advanced research roles.
• 10–15 years of optical engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, integrate optical components and prototypes.
• Develop and test optical systems using photonic and laser tech.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams and document changes.

Skills

Electronics design

Embedded firmware

Verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Problem solving

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor's in Optical Engineering

Bachelor's in Physics

Masters or PhD preferred

Job description

## Principal Optical EngineerApplyremote type: Onsite Requiredlocations: Cambridge, MAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR002694**Overview:**Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.**Job Description Summary:**The Optical Engineer (PMTS) designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with hardware and software design teams to determine the qualification and manufacturability of new technologies.**Job Description:****Duties/Responsibilities** • Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes. • Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies. • Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models. • Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. • Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems. • Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process. • Provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts. • Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action. • Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships. • Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements. • Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cyber security, able to plan, design, and execute large scale technical software and hardware solutions. • Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines • Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them. • Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals. • Performs other related duties as assigned. **Skills/Abilities** • Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Excellent mathematical skills. • Excellent mechanical skills. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. • Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to prioritize tasks. • Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures. **Education** Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred. **Experience** 10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.**Additional Job Description:**Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.**Job Location - City:**Cambridge**Job Location - State:**Massachusetts**Job Location - Postal Code:**02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is$95,000.00 - $245,000.00*Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations.* *Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.*Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail] are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.