Space-Grade Computational Imaging Scientist

Califesciences; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to design, model, and validate infrared meta‑optic systems for space missions. You will connect optical design with digital reconstruction and inference while collaborating with cross‑functional teams and senior engineers in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

The role emphasizes modeling, algorithm development, and experimental work across optical simulation, computational imaging, and machine learning.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.
• Demonstrated research or development experience in computational imaging or a closely related field
• Experience with Fourier optics, wave propagation, diffraction, and coherence theory
• Experience with optimization methods used in computational imaging, including gradient-based optimization, regularization, or statistical estimation
• Familiarity with machine-learning-based reconstruction or inference methods, including convolutional neural networks or related architectures
• Experience programming in Python using scientific-computing and machine-learning tools such as NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow; experience with MATLAB or C++ may also be applicable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Must be a U.S Citizen
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, modeling, and experimental validation of infrared meta-optic systems with digital reconstruction and inference algorithms.
• Develop and apply computational imaging models connecting optical design, image formation, detector response, calibration, image reconstruction, and inference performance.
• Develop simulation tools and algorithms for hybrid optical‑digital imaging systems and end‑to‑end optimization of optical and computational parameters.
• Support design trades and system‑level evaluations including image quality, SNR, reconstruction fidelity, and classification performance.
• Work with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams to evaluate emerging optical technologies and document results for R&D programs.

Skills

Computational imaging

Python programming

Fourier optics

Machine learning in imaging

Optimization methods

US citizen

Education

BS in Physics/Optics/Materials Science, or related field

MS with 6+ years experience or PhD

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

CODE V

FRED

COMSOL

Ansys Lumerical

MATLAB

Job description

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to design, model, and validate infrared meta‑optic systems for space missions. You will connect optical design with digital reconstruction and inference while collaborating with cross‑functional teams and senior engineers in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

The role emphasizes modeling, algorithm development, and experimental work across optical simulation, computational imaging, and machine learning.