Principal Optical Engineer

About the role

QinetiQ US is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer with experience in electro-optic/infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration. This role involves contributing to next-generation defense systems, providing sensing capabilities for 'observe' stages of operations, and supporting programs for long-range optics, body-worn sensors, fire control, and more.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization to sustainment.
• Support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more.
• Collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

Requirements

• Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization to sustainment.
• Support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more.
• Collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field
• 10+ years of experience in imaging and laser optical design
• Specifying EOIR and imaging sensor optical components
• Modeling imaging sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification range of objects
• Designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax, CODE V, or other relevant industry-standard software packages
• Integrating imaging sensors, optical assemblies, and lasers into optical benches and system prototypes
• Manipulating visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources
• Working in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting
• Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
• Occasional (up to 10%) travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
• Must currently hold an Active DoD Secret or higher-level clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Background working in the defense or aerospace industry
• Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM or similar package
• Ability to mentor junior optical engineers
• Hyperspectral system design
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering
• Experience specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
• A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers