Optical Engineer

About the role

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next-generation space missions.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum.
• Contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis.
• Aid in design trades and system-level evaluations.
• Support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
• Participate in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies.
• Assist in analyzing experimental data to inform design decisions.
• Document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 4+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of prior relevant experience.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.
• Familiarity with optical performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric considerations.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Experience with infrared optical systems or sensors.
• Hands-on experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical metrology.
• Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE V.
• Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent.
• Experience with electronic design automation tools and file formats (e.g., GDSII).
• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics.

Benefits

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.