Staff Optics Engineer — Fiber & Laser Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Bonus opportunities

401(k) matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Job summary

Moog Space & Defense Group in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Staff Optics Engineer to lead design, development, testing of advanced fiber‑optic, laser, and electro‑optic systems for aerospace applications.

The role requires a BS in physics/optical engineering or related field, 7+ years in optical design, and Zemax expertise; DoD security clearance is required. Onsite work with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, materials science, optical engineering, or related field.
• 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

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Optical design understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, materials science, optical engineering, or related field

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Moog Space & Defense Group in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Staff Optics Engineer to lead design, development, testing of advanced fiber‑optic, laser, and electro‑optic systems for aerospace applications.

The role requires a BS in physics/optical engineering or related field, 7+ years in optical design, and Zemax expertise; DoD security clearance is required. Onsite work with competitive compensation and benefits.