Staff Optics Engineer

Moog Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

401(k) match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Moog Inc. in Blacksburg, VA, is seeking a Staff Optics Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and support of advanced fiber-optic, laser, and electro-optic technologies for aerospace and defense applications.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in physics, materials science, optical engineering, or related field, 7+ years in optical design, Zemax proficiency, fiber optics experience, and the ability to obtain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in optical system design, development, and testing.
• Significant experience using Zemax for optical design, simulation, and optimization.
• Experience developing and integrating fiber-optic technologies and devices.
• Strong understanding of laser systems, optical alignment techniques, and imaging-based systems.
• Experience creating technical documentation, test procedures, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of applicable standards related to lasers, fiber-optics, and optical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex optical and electro-optical systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance and access U.S. export-controlled information.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced fiber-optic technologies, including fiber-optic rotary joints, optical switches, high-power optical devices, and multi-fiber harnesses.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for optical systems, techniques, and devices supporting the Power and Data Division.
• Design, build, test, and troubleshoot optical, laser, and imaging-based systems.
• Develop innovative methods and techniques for precision optical alignment and integration.
• Use Zemax software to design, simulate, analyze, and optimize optical systems.
• Create and maintain processes, test protocols, work instructions, and documentation for fiber-optic connector terminations and harness assemblies.
• Establish and formalize work processes that comply with applicable standards and best practices related to lasers, fiber optics, and silicon processing.
• Determine laser safety classifications for laser devices and support the site Laser Safety Officer as the on-site Laser Safety Specialist.
• Evaluate, specify, and procure equipment required for fiber-optic device fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Support production, qualification, and fielded electro-optic and fiber-optic products by investigating and resolving technical issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams throughout product development and production.
• Contribute to the development and transition of new optical technologies into manufacturing.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax

Fiber optics

Laser systems

Documentation

System integration

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/optical engineering

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Staff Optics Engineer

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. Our people enjoy solving interesting technical challenges in a culture where everyone trusts each other to do the right thing. For you, working with us can mean deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a great quality of life inside and outside of work.

Reporting To

Principal Engineer / Elec. Eng. Mgr & Innov. Team Lead

Work Schedule

Onsite – Blacksburg, VA

Moog Space & Defense Group is the operating group with the longest heritage at Moog. Our expansive defense portfolio is aligned with U.S. military priorities and our mission of equipping those who defend freedom.

As a Staff Optics Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, testing, and support of advanced fiber-optic, laser, and electro-optic technologies used in mission-critical aerospace and defense applications. You will leverage deep expertise in optical systems and fiber-optic technologies to develop innovative solutions while supporting both new product development and existing products throughout their lifecycle.

To be considered for Staff Optics Engineer, you will need:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in optical system design, development, and testing.
• Significant experience using Zemax for optical design, simulation, and optimization.
• Experience developing and integrating fiber-optic technologies and devices.
• Strong understanding of laser systems, optical alignment techniques, and imaging-based systems.
• Experience creating technical documentation, test procedures, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of applicable standards related to lasers, fiber-optics, and optical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex optical and electro-optical systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance and access U.S. export-controlled information.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with fiber-optic rotary joints, optical switches, multi-fiber harnesses, and high-power optical devices.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and production environments.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes for silicon micromachined devices and/or MEMS-based technologies.
• Laser Safety Officer experience or certification.

As a Staff Optics Engineer, You Will

• Develop advanced fiber-optic technologies, including fiber-optic rotary joints, optical switches, high-power optical devices, and multi-fiber harnesses.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for optical systems, techniques, and devices supporting the Power and Data Division.
• Design, build, test, and troubleshoot optical, laser, and imaging-based systems.
• Develop innovative methods and techniques for precision optical alignment and integration.
• Use Zemax software to design, simulate, analyze, and optimize optical systems.
• Create and maintain processes, test protocols, work instructions, and documentation for fiber-optic connector terminations and harness assemblies.
• Establish and formalize work processes that comply with applicable standards and best practices related to lasers, fiber optics, and silicon processing.
• Determine laser safety classifications for laser devices and support the site Laser Safety Officer as the on-site Laser Safety Specialist.
• Evaluate, specify, and procure equipment required for fiber-optic device fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Support production, qualification, and fielded electro-optic and fiber-optic products by investigating and resolving technical issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams throughout product development and production.
• Contribute to the development and transition of new optical technologies into manufacturing.

How We Care For You

• Financial Rewards: Great compensation package, bonus opportunities, matching 401(k), and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan (select locations), Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• Professional Skills Development: Tuition assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs.
• Culture: Warm, respectful, family-like environment driven by our 12 core values. Multiple Employee Resource Groups led by our employees, open and welcoming to all.
• Flexible Friday Afternoons.

Salary Range Transparency

Blacksburg, VA $120,000.00–$180,000.00 Annually

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits.

This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

Moog offers an inclusive workplace, and, as such, affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 844-367-5787.

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Absent compliance with these pre-conditions resumes submitted directly to any Moog Inc. employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Moog Inc.