Senior Optical Engineer

Draper; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 82,300 - 205,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, and test optical technologies and systems. The candidate will collaborate with design teams, implement test procedures, and provide multi-discipline support. Applicants should have 5-10 years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or related field. Preferred candidates will hold a Master’s or PhD.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $82,300.00 – $205,750.00, supporting a work-life balance with various benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience in Optical Engineering or related field required.
• Ability to prioritize tasks. Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices.
• Develops, builds and tests systems based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
• Testing of new and existing designs and documenting changes.
• Mentoring less experienced engineers and providing constructive feedback.

Skills

Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design

Real-time embedded firmware development

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Master’s or PhD degree preferred

Job description

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 Senior Optical Engineer 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.

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.
• Provides recommendations for cost reduction efforts.
• Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develops and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• 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.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• 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. Master’s or PhD degree preferred.

Experience

5‑10 years experience in Optical Engineering or related field required.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Salary Range

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 – $205,750.00. These ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role.

Work‑Life Balance and Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].