Senior Optical Lens Designer, Space Sensor Systems

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 187,600 - 335,808; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics’ GA-EMS Optical Sensor System group in Acton, MA is seeking a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to lead advanced space-based optics development. This role requires conceptualizing refractive or reflective solutions, coordinating tolerancing with opto-mechanical teams, and preparing design packages for vendors.

You will guide the optical design process, support build and alignment of systems, and mentor staff while ensuring manufacturability and affordability for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in a scientific/technical field with extensive experience.
• Proficient in optical design tools CODE V, OSLO or Zemax.
• Strong grasp of radiometry, diffraction, and polarization.
• Expert in designing, tolerancing, fabrication, and testing of optical systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; able to work independently or in a team.
• Experience with STOP analysis and collaboration with thermal/structural engineers.
• Experience with MATLAB or similar coding.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical designs for space-based sensor applications as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Provide leadership and guidance for optical design solutions (refractive/reflective).
• Perform tolerancing of designs with other engineering disciplines.
• Prepare optical design packages for vendors and interact with vendors.
• Coordinate with fabrication shops and conduct vendor interactions.
• Prepare and present technical briefings internally and to customers.
• Support build, alignment, and testing of optical systems for proposals and hardware programs.
• Mentor staff and transfer advanced optical knowledge.

Skills

Optical design proficiency

Radiometry & diffraction

Tolerancing & fabrication

Leadership & teamwork

MATLAB coding

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

Master's degree in a scientific field

PhD in a scientific field

Tools

CODE V

OSLO

Zemax

FRED

TracePro

Job description

General Atomics’ GA-EMS Optical Sensor System group in Acton, MA is seeking a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to lead advanced space-based optics development. This role requires conceptualizing refractive or reflective solutions, coordinating tolerancing with opto-mechanical teams, and preparing design packages for vendors.

You will guide the optical design process, support build and alignment of systems, and mentor staff while ensuring manufacturability and affordability for