Senior Optical Engineer

Leidos Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Leidos Inc is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer in San Diego, CA, to develop sensors that support critical DoD missions. The role involves leading the design and testing of complex optical systems while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in optical instrumentation, a strong background in laser safety protocols, and the ability to program in scripting languages like Python. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, reflecting the important work delivered for customers.

Qualifications

• 12+ years relevant experience or 10+ years with a Master's degree.
• Active SECRET clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Expertise in optical system setup and operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and testing of optical systems.
• Manage Class 3b and 4 laser systems.
• Perform radiometric analysis and measurements.

Skills

Optical instrumentation

Laser safety compliance

Python programming

Precision alignment

Radiometry

Education

Bachelor of Science degree

Master of Science degree

Doctorate in related field

Tools

Interferometers

High-bandwidth oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Laser systems

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large‑scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.

Senior Optical Engineer – San Diego, CA

This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to develop sensors that support critical Department of Defense (DoD) missions, such as Missile Warning/Tracking, Space Domain Awareness (SDA), and Space Control. In this context, we develop next‑generation opto‑mechanical systems and laser communication technologies designed to survive and thrive in challenging orbital environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the test setup design, alignment, and testing of complex optical systems in a laboratory environment, focusing on free‑space and fiber‑coupled architectures.
• Directly manage and operate Class 3b and 4 laser systems, spanning both visible and Infrared (IR) wavelengths, ensuring all experiments comply with rigorous laser safety standards.
• Perform detailed radiometric analysis and measurements to characterize optical power, irradiance, and radiance across various system apertures.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and electronics to drive and monitor optical components, including laser controllers, TECs, and detector bias circuits.
• Develop and maintain test automation scripts to control laboratory hardware and streamline data collection processes.
• Integrate and characterize highly sensitive detector technologies, including Avalanche Photodiodes (APD), Geiger‑mode APDs (GmAPD), and Single Photon Counting Detectors (SPCDs) as well as IR and visible focal planes.
• Interface directly with customers to provide technical updates, present design reviews, and translate mission requirements into hardware specifications.
• Author comprehensive technical reports, test plans, and data analysis summaries for internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Maintain hardware integrity by working within controlled environments, ensuring all optical assembly and testing meet strict cleanliness standards.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or Master of Science with 10+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in a relevant technical domain.
• Must have an active SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Proven expertise in the setup and operation of precision optical and electronic instrumentation, including:
  • Hands‑on use of interferometers (e.g., Zygo, 4D), wavefront sensors, and autocollimators.
  • Proficiency with high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and bit error rate testers (BERT).
  • Experience with precision source measure units (SMU), multi‑channel data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and low‑noise current/voltage sources.
• Expertise in laser safety and compliance protocols (ANSI Z136.1), including defining Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZ) and implementing controls for Class 3b and 4 lasers.
• Proven experience working in an ISO‑rated cleanroom environment (e.g., ISO 5, 6, or 7).
• Proficiency in operating laboratory electronics and the ability to program in a scripting language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW) to automate test sequences.
• Ability to perform radiometry, including the calculation and measurement of optical power budgets and signal‑to‑noise ratios (SNR).
• Proficiency in the alignment of complex optical systems, including precision alignment of lens systems, mirrors, and fiber‑to‑free‑space coupling.
• Hands‑on experience working with highly sensitive detectors (APD, GmAPD, and/or LmAPD).

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with telescope design and architectures (e.g., Three‑Mirror Anastigmat, Cassegrain, or Off‑axis Parabolas).
• Experience supporting technical proposals, including drafting Technical Volumes and developing Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Advanced proficiency in Python for hardware control and instrument interfacing (SCPI, VISA).
• Experience with space‑qualified optical hardware or SDA OCT specification compliance.
• Familiarity with opto‑mechanical packaging for high‑vibration or thermal‑stress environments.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $131,300.00 – $237,350.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.