Senior Optical Engineer

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,530 - 267,030; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA, is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation for space missions. This role involves design, assembly, and testing of custom optical systems while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The position offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing flexibility to work from home. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Optical Science or a related field and significant experience in optical systems engineering.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Significant experience in optical systems design, analysis, and testing.
• Advanced knowledge of optical metrology and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and test complex optical instrumentation.
• Conduct optical system modeling and analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for optical systems realization.

Skills

Optical engineering principles

Optical design software (CODE V, Zemax, FRED)

Optical metrology techniques

Advanced communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Science or related field

Job description

Mid‑Senior Level | Full time | Engineering | Livermore, CA | 06/25/2026

Job Description

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and scientific discovery. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers responsible for the design, analysis, assembly, integration, and testing of custom optical systems deployed on aircraft and spacecraft. This work includes the development of innovative optical solutions spanning concept development through flight hardware realization. You will interact with engineers, scientists, technicians, project leaders, and sponsors in support of mission‑critical optical systems. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in‑person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, assemble, integrate, and test custom and complex optical instrumentation supporting aircraft and spacecraft missions.
• Conduct optical system modeling and performance analyses using optical design and engineering tools.
• Operate and analyze data from optical metrology equipment including interferometers, spectrophotometers, collimated source testing systems, and related instrumentation.
• Develop and implement optical test methodologies, data analysis techniques, and software tools to support engineering evaluations and performance verification.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation, procedures, test plans, technical reports, and design packages.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, designers, and technicians to realize complex optical systems.
• Support procurement activities by preparing optical hardware specifications, reviewing vendor deliverables, and assisting with component acceptance.
• Serve as a technical contact and present technical work to project teams, design reviews, and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities for SES.4 Level

• Lead the design, integration, and delivery of complex optical instrumentation for spaceflight and national security applications.
• Establish technical approaches, evaluate alternatives, and provide technical direction for optical system development efforts.
• Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews, sponsor interactions, and multidisciplinary project activities.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of optical engineering principles, concepts, and techniques.
• Significant experience applying optical engineering methods to the design, analysis, integration, and testing of optical systems.
• Experience using optical design and analysis software such as CODE V, Zemax, FRED, or equivalent tools.
• Advanced knowledge of optical metrology techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience analyzing technical data and communicating engineering results.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment and present technical information.

Additional Qualifications for SES.4 Level

• Subject‑matter expert knowledge of complex optical system design, analysis, and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead optical engineering efforts involving highly complex technical challenges.
• Experience influencing technical direction and providing engineering recommendations to management, sponsors, and review boards.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Significant experience designing, developing, and delivering optical instrumentation for spaceflight applications.
• Working knowledge of optical fabrication, optical alignment techniques, and space hardware development processes.

Pay Range

• Annual salary range: $175,530 – $267,030.
• For SES.3 level: $175,530 – $222,564.
• For SES.4 level: $210,630 – $267,030.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.