Senior Optical Engineer

Leidos; United States; On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in San Diego, CA seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to design and test next‑generation opto‑mechanical systems and laser communications for DoD missions. You will lead test setups, operate Class 3b/4 lasers, and perform radiometric analyses in a lab environment.

The role requires hands‑on experience with detectors such as APD and single‑photon devices, proficiency in Python/MATLAB/LabVIEW, and a strong background in precision instrumentation and laser safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant technical field; advanced degrees accepted.
• Active SECRET clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and test setup for optical systems, including free-space and fiber-cused architectures.
• Direct laser system operation (Class 3b/4) with adherence to safety standards.
• Perform radiometric analysis and measurements across system apertures.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and electronics.
• Develop and maintain test automation scripts to control hardware and collect data.
• Interface with customers to present reviews and translate requirements into hardware specs.
• Document test plans, results, and data analyses; maintain cleanliness in controlled environments.

Skills

APD detectors

Geiger‑mode APD

Single‑photon detectors

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Optical instrumentation

Test automation

Laser safety

Wavefront sensing

Interferometers

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

DAQ systems

SMUs

Power supplies

Interferometers

Autocollimators

Job description

Description

Senior Optical Engineer – Emerging Space Systems Division – San Diego, CA. Responsible for designing and testing next‑generation opto‑mechanical systems and laser communications for Department of Defense missions such as Missile Warning/Tracking, Space Domain Awareness, and Space Control.

Primary Responsibilities

• System Design & Testing: Lead the test setup design, alignment, and testing of complex optical systems in a laboratory environment, focusing on free‑space and fiber‑coupled architectures.
• Laser Operations: Directly manage and operate Class 3b and 4 laser systems, spanning both visible and infrared wavelengths, ensuring compliance with laser safety standards.
• Radiometric Analysis: Perform detailed radiometric analysis and measurements to characterize optical power, irradiance, and radiance across system apertures.
• Instrumentation & Electronics: Set up, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and electronics to drive and monitor optical components.
• Automation: Develop and maintain test automation scripts to control laboratory hardware and streamline data collection.
• Detector Integration: Integrate and characterize highly sensitive detector technologies, including APD, Geiger‑mode APD, and single‑photon counting detectors.
• Customer Interaction: Interface directly with customers to provide technical updates, present design reviews, and translate mission requirements into hardware specifications.
• Documentation: Author comprehensive technical reports, test plans, and data analysis summaries.
• Cleanliness Standards: Maintain hardware integrity within controlled environments, ensuring optical assembly and testing meet strict cleanliness standards.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science with 12+ years of relevant experience or Master of Science with 10+ years; Doctorate in a relevant technical domain acceptable.
• Active SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance.
• Expertise in precision optical and electronic instrumentation including interferometers, wavefront sensors, autocollimators, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, bit error rate testers, SMUs, DAQ systems, and low‑noise power supplies.
• Laser safety and compliance expert (ANSI Z136.1) with knowledge of NHZ and controls for Class 3b/4 lasers.
• Experience working in ISO‑rated cleanroom environments (ISO 5, 6, or 7).
• Proficiency in electronics and automation; ability to program in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for test automation.
• Ability to perform radiometry, including optical power budgets and SNR calculations.
• Proficient in aligning complex optical systems, including lens, mirror, and fiber coupling.
• Hands‑on experience with highly sensitive detectors (APD, GmAPD, LmAPD).

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with telescope design (Three‑Mirror Anastigmat, Cassegrain, off‑axis parabolas).
• Experience supporting technical proposals, drafting Technical Volumes, and developing BOEs.
• Advanced Python scripting for hardware control and instrument interfacing (SCPI, VISA).
• Experience with space‑qualified optical hardware or SDA OCT compliance.
• Knowledge of opto‑mechanical packaging for high‑vibration or thermal‑stress environments.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Salary ranges from $131,300 to $237,350, with additional factors considered during offer. Compensation packages include medical, dental, vision, disability, retirement, paid leave, and wellness programs.

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.