Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

L3Harris; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking an Optical Engineer for our Fort Wayne, Indiana site to support aerospace programs. You will perform hands-on lab work, precise optical alignment, and meticulous inspection of optical systems spanning UV to LWIR.

The role requires strong collaboration, documentation, and verification of system requirements, with opportunities to contribute to design and modeling efforts and to participate in lab-based experiments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering; 6+ years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems in a lab.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives.
• Document processes and communicate technical information effectively.

Skills

Optical alignment

Testing & inspection

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Graduate Degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

Zemax

Code V

MATLAB

FRED

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

Job Code: 40951

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking a dedicated Optical Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves hands‑on lab work, precise optical alignment, and meticulous inspection processes. Our projects span imaging systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems within a lab environment.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
• Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
• Support optical design and modeling efforts as needed, with a focus on hands‑on application and testing.
• Perform detailed receiving, cleaning, and inspection of optical components to maintain system integrity.
• Participate in systems trade studies, vender assessments with an emphasis on practical evaluation and lab‑based experimentation.
• Must be able to obtain a US DoD Secret security clearance
• Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• 4 years of experience in hands‑on optical alignment, testing, and inspection, preferably with remote sensing infrared and visible space‑qualified systems.
• Experience with Zemax and/or Code V optical software for design and analysis purposes.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
• Familiarity with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference.
• Experience with metalens design and manufacturing
• Implementation of generative AI to analysis of optical systems
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• #LI-KB1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E‑Verify Employer.