Senior Computational Imaging Scientist — Meta-Optics & AI

NCSL International; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in meta-optic-enabled imaging for next-generation space missions. The role emphasizes designing, modeling, and validating infrared meta-optic systems with digital reconstruction and inference algorithms.

You will develop imaging models that connect optical design, detector response, calibration, reconstruction, and downstream inference performance, while building tools for

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in a physics, optics, or related field with extensive imaging research experience.
• Proven computational imaging or related research, including image reconstruction.
• Experience with Fourier optics, wave propagation, diffraction, and coherence theory.
• Familiarity with ML-based reconstruction and CNNs.
• Proficient in Python; MATLAB/C++ knowledge beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support design, modeling, and validation of infrared meta-optic systems.
• Develop computational imaging models linking optical design to inference performance.
• Create simulation tools for hybrid optical-digital imaging systems and end-to-end optimization.
• Evaluate experimental data to inform design decisions and document results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior engineers.

Skills

Physics

Materials Science

Optics

Computational imaging

Python

Machine learning

NumPy/SciPy

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Education

BS in Physics/Materials Science/Optics

MS in related field

Doctorate in technical domain

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

CODE V

FRED

COMSOL

Ansys

Lumerical

MATLAB

Python (NumPy, SciPy)

PyTorch/TensorFlow

Job description

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in meta-optic-enabled imaging for next-generation space missions. The role emphasizes designing, modeling, and validating infrared meta-optic systems with digital reconstruction and inference algorithms.

You will develop imaging models that connect optical design, detector response, calibration, reconstruction, and downstream inference performance, while building tools for