Principal Optical Engineer

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal); Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 164,500 - 213,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Health and well-being support

Job summary

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal) is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer in Lorton, Virginia. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in electro-optic/infrared optical design and prototype integration, critical for defense systems. Responsibilities include leading design efforts for imaging sensors and optics, ensuring that innovative solutions are delivered to our Warfighters. A supportive environment promotes career growth and work-life balance.

This role expects collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to transition designs into production while maintaining high standards of optical performance and compliance. A focus on creating robust EOIR designs is essential for success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in imaging and laser optical design.
• Expertise with opto-mechanical assembly and optical bore sighting.
• Knowledgeable in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of EOIR imaging sensor and laser subassemblies.
• Perform laboratory optical characterization of EOIR sensors.
• Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems for defense systems.

Skills

Electro-optic/infrared imaging

Optical design

Laboratory optical characterization

Prototype integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

Job description

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 worldwide. 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 looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro‑optic/infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team.

In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You’ll support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long‑range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body‑worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more—you’ll help provide the sensing capability that enables the ‘observe’ stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop.

Key Technologies

• Multi‑band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared (NIR), shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)
• EOIR sensors
• Tactical lasers, Class 1–4
• Optical boresight and stabilization

Success in this role is defined as delivering robust EOIR optical designs, guiding prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of multi‑band multi‑aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next‑generation defense systems. Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment. This role will have responsibility in the following areas:
  • Requirements Analysis and Specification Definition
    • Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define opto‑mechanical, imaging sensor, and display specifications.
    • Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi‑band electro‑optical/infrared (EOIR) systems.
  • Imaging Sensor Optical Design
    • Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors.
    • Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software.
    • Select appropriate components including sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses, and lasers to meet program requirements.
    • Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
  • Laboratory Optical Characterization
    • 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.
    • Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type.
    • Test and validate delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
    • Design new tests and test stations and construct laboratory apparatus as needed to support program test and validation requirements.
  • Prototype Integration
    • Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, and lasers.
    • Perform precise alignment and boresighting of optical components and sub‑assemblies in multi‑aperture multi‑band and imaging and laser systems.
  • Transition to Manufacturing
    • Generate technical documentation and reports.
    • Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff.
    • Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions.
    • Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field
• 10+ years of experience in imaging and laser optical design, including:
  • Specifying EOIR and imaging sensor optical components
  • Modeling imaging sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification range of objects
  • Designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax, CODE V, or other relevant industry‑standard software packages
  • Integrating imaging sensors, optical assemblies, and lasers into optical benches and system prototypes
  • Manipulating visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources
  • Working in laboratory environments including expertise with opto‑mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting
• Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
• Occasional (up 10%) travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
• Must currently hold an Active DoD Secret or higher-level clearance #qinetiqclearedjob

Preferred Qualifications

• Background working in the defense or aerospace industry
• Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model) or similar package
• Ability to mentor junior optical engineers
• Hyperspectral system design
• 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
• Experience specifying displays, especially near‑eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
• A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $164,500-$213,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

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.

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.