Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Education assistance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to lead optical subsystem design and verification. You will work within the Imaging Systems Group on multi-disciplinary projects, delivering high-performance imaging and sensing solutions.

You will contribute to testbed development, performance metrics, and mature system designs while pursuing innovative IR&D initiatives and field testing activities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in optical engineering, optical science, imaging science, or related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in optical design, integration, and testing.
• Experience with optical metamaterials, photonic integrated circuits, and/or coherent optics is a plus.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date and TS/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical and electro-optic subsystems, balancing performance, SWaP, and cost.
• Support engineering, integration, and verification of advanced electro-optic prototype systems and testbeds; develop test strategies and metrics.
• Conceive and champion innovative optical imaging concepts through IR&D efforts and technology trade studies.
• Support field integration and testing activities of developed systems.

Skills

Optical design

Laboratory testing

System integration

Team collaboration

Clearance eligibility

Education

Ph.D. in optical engineering, optical science, imaging science, or related degree

Job description

Description

Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your engineering skills in a creative and collaborative laboratory environment? Would you love to engage in meaningful, hands-on work in the exciting field of optics with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a creative Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join the Imaging Systems Group. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to critical system development and experimental efforts. You will be joining a multi-disciplinary team committed to crafting an environment of innovation.

As a Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer, you will:

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical and electro-optic subsystems. Perform optical modeling, component selection, and system-level trade studies to develop high-performance imaging and sensing solutions while balancing performance, SWaP, and cost.
• Support the engineering, integration, and verification of advanced electro-optic prototype systems and experimental testbeds. Develop test strategies, define performance metrics, oversee laboratory characterization, and drive technical investigations to resolve integration challenges and mature system designs.
• Conceive, develop, and champion innovative optical imaging concepts through internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. Identify emerging technologies, perform technical trade studies, and help shape future research directions and externally funded opportunities.
• Support field integration and testing activities of developed systems.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Ph.D. in optical engineering, optical science, imaging science, or other related degree.
• Have at least 6 years of demonstrated proficiency with optical design, integration, and testing. Knowledge and experience with one or more of the following is a plus: optical metamaterials, photonic integrated circuits, and/or coherent optics.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and possess strong interpersonal, speaking, and technical writing skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level clearance by your start date, and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have 10+ years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated proficiency in optical design, integration, and testing.
• Hold a TS+SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually