Senior Optical Engineer, Computational Imaging

Leidos; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave and Retirement

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in meta-optic-enabled computational imaging for edge processing on space missions.

The role covers design, modeling, and experimental validation of infrared meta-optic systems integrated with inference algorithms, requiring collaboration with cross-functional teams and a strong ML/optics background.

Qualifications

• BS/MS with strong research in computational imaging; PhD optional.
• Experience in computational imaging or related field.
• Experience with Fourier optics and wave propagation.
• Experience with gradient-based optimization and regularization.
• ML-based reconstruction/inference experience with CNNs or similar.
• Proficient in Python; MATLAB/C++ beneficial.
• U.S. Citizen and ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and validate infrared meta-optic systems with digital reconstruction.
• Develop computational imaging models linking optical design to inference performance.
• Create simulation tools for hybrid optical–digital imaging systems.
• Analyze image quality, SNR, reconstruction fidelity, and classification performance.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams; document results.
• Evaluate emerging optical technologies and support internal R&D programs.

Skills

Computational imaging

Python (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch, JAX, TF

Matlab/C++

Fourier optics

ML-based reconstruction

Analytical problem solving

U.S. Citizenship

Security clearance (Secret)

Education

B.S. in Physics/Materials/Optics

M.S. in related field

PhD (optional)

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

CODE V

FRED

COMSOL

Ansys Lumerical

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in meta-optic-enabled computational imaging for edge processing on space missions.

The role covers design, modeling, and experimental validation of infrared meta-optic systems integrated with inference algorithms, requiring collaboration with cross-functional teams and a strong ML/optics background.