Principal Optical Engineer

QinetiQ US; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Health and well-being support

Opportunities to work with purpose

Job summary

QinetiQ US is looking for an experienced Principal Optical Engineer to work on defense programs. This role involves providing optical design expertise, working with multidisciplinary teams, and overseeing the entire product lifecycle.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering and over 15 years of relevant experience, with strong laboratory skills and the ability to integrate optical components into complex systems.

The position is based in Virginia and requires an active Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Over 15 years of experience in optical design and related fields, preferably in defense or aerospace.
• Experience in laboratory environments with optical alignment tools and testing.
• Knowledgeable about optical image stabilization and various sensor types.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in optical design and prototype integration.
• Conduct analysis of EOIR systems for detection tasks.
• Work with engineering teams for optical sensor integration.

Skills

Optical design

Laboratory testing

Opto-mechanical assembly

Technical writing

Modeling sensors

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense-oriented programs through the full product life cycle, from the lab to the field.

Responsibilities

• Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts.
• Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical and sensor components, supporting the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to manufacturing and sustainment.
• Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more.
• Build and align benchtop prototypes, conduct experiments, and validate performance against design requirements. Verify optical designs and test delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
• Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type visible, near infrared (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), midwave infrared (MWIR) and longwave infrared (LWIR) sensors, but also others as needed.
• Use laser sources and other methods to perform precise alignment of optical components and telescope systems. Work with visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources.
• Define optical and sensor component and system specifications and select optical components including lasers, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses to meet program requirements.
• Design, simulate, tolerance, and optimize optical systems, components, and lens layouts using Zemax to generate baseline reference designs for further design and fabrication by external vendors. Simulate laser parameters with Excel or Zemax.
• Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
• Generate technical documentation and reports and convey or present the information to management and the customer.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or related field
• 15+ years of experience in optical design and related fields relevant to the position responsibilities, including strong prior experience working in the defense or aerospace industry
• Experience in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting, laboratory testing
• Design experience incorporating HD visible sensors, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR sensors with optical assemblies (including fixed focus and zoom configurations) and into higher-level systems
• Experience modeling visible, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition and identification of objects
• Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
• Experience in specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
• Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax
• A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers
• Up 10% travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
• Must have active Secret or higher level clearance #QinetiQClearedJob

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model)
• Experience mentoring junior optical engineers
• Experience with hyperspectral systems
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.