Senior Optical Engineer – EOIR Imaging Systems

QinetiQ; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 164,500 - 213,500; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US in Virginia is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design of multi-band EOIR imaging sensors, optics, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams through concept, prototyping, validation, and transition to production to ensure warfighters have advanced sensing capabilities.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field and 10+ years of imaging/laser optical design

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field (required).
• 10+ years of imaging and laser optical design experience (required).
• Experience designing and modeling lenses and optical components with Zemax, CODE V, or similar.
• Experience integrating imaging sensors, optical assemblies, and lasers into prototypes.
• Travel up to 10% to QinetiQ sites and customer locations (as needed).

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of multi-band EOIR imaging sensor components.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through concept, prototyping, validation, and production transitions.
• Generate technical documentation and support manufacturing readiness.
• Perform precise alignment and boresighting of optical components and subsystems.

Skills

Imaging & laser design

Optical system modeling

Laboratory prototyping

Troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

Optical alignment equipment

Job description

QinetiQ US in Virginia is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design of multi-band EOIR imaging sensors, optics, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams through concept, prototyping, validation, and transition to production to ensure warfighters have advanced sensing capabilities.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field and 10+ years of imaging/laser optical design