Principal Optical Design Engineer

About the Company

Join a Global Photonics Leader Engineering Solutions from the Deep Ocean to Outer Space! Gooch & Housego (G&H) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced photonic technologies, components, and systems. With operations across the U.S. and internationally, we serve customers in the Aerospace & Defense, Industrial, Life Sciences, and Scientific Research markets. Our teams combine precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and technical expertise to deliver high-quality solutions for some of the world’s most demanding applications.

About the Role

The successful candidate will lead the conceptual design, development, integration, and validation of complex precision optical systems and components to meet both customer requirements and application needs. Experienced in evaluating optical design solutions via sophisticated analytical techniques and tools to predict performance and manufacturability. This includes lens design, tolerance analysis, and system performance modeling in support of a variety of program deliverables ranging from prototype hardware to first article production units. The candidate will also be responsible to help develop test methods and procedures to characterize optical system performance while mentoring teams and collaborating across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design & Development Lead the design of optical systems and components (lenses, filters, sensors, subsystems) for science, defense, intelligence, and commercial applications
• Design optical systems using aspheres, reflective, and diffractive elements.Fluent in translating vague needs into firm optical specifications.
• Simulation & Modeling Produce optical lens designs with supporting analysis to include Monte Carlo simulation, sensitivity, and tolerance analysis. Utilize Zemax optical design program utilizing various materials.
• Design Reviews & Documentation Lead or participate in design reviews, present findings, and author technical documents, white papers, and proposalsCreate PowerPoint presentations documenting optical designs in support of Design Review Activities for both internal and external customers.
• Mentorships & Innovation Guide junior engineers, provide technical leadership, and foster cross-functional problem-solvingStay current with optical technology advances and apply them to improve system performance

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline required. Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 experience in optical cad software (e.g. Zemax)
• Advanced knowledge of optical principles
• Demonstrated ability to handle and complete multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment where projects change on a weekly basis.
• Expert analytical/problem-solving skills, including problem identification, analysis, action planning, and execution
• Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills, including problem identification, analysis, action planning, and execution
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and communicate effectively through listening, understanding and supplying timely feedback as well as continuously demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude
• Self-starter with willingness and discipline to continually learn.

Pay

$130,000 - $165,000 annually