Scientist, Optical Engineer - MA

About the role

L3Harris is seeking a Scientist, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems) to join our team. This role is located in Wilmington, MA and operates on a 9/80 schedule with relocation assistance available.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary design author for complex optical imaging systems maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation.
• Interface with customers as needed and senior management and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required.
• Lead systems trade studies and evaluate and select optical materials, components, and vendors.
• Lead detailed image quality analyses, including wavefront error, modulation transfer function (MTF), ensquared energy, distortion, color correction, and resolution.
• Perform tolerancing and sensitivity analysis in support of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) and thermal predictions.
• Conduct comprehensive stray light and ghost analysis, proposing and implementing corrective actions to suppress stray light artifacts.
• Develop and document detailed optical design specifications, tolerances, and test methods for imaging performance and stray light control.
• Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts.
• Support lower-level optical component specification generation and tolerancing and review with program colleagues.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
• Provide regular updates to program leadership to communicate progress, issues, and execution status.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
• Mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical design, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in optics or related field and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
• Expert Level experience using Zemax and/or Code V for optical design and analysis including both sequential (Zemax and/or Code V) or non-sequential (FRED) tools.
• Experience in space-based telescope systems or complex commercial imaging systems, acting in a SME role.
• Strong portfolio of completed optical design and analysis projects.
• Prominent ability to present technical material effectively in customer-facing settings, support proposals, and help define system specifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Active security clearance is preferred.
• Development of macros and tools to support custom design tasks.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
• Experience with athermalization of optical systems.
• Experience with STOP analysis.
• Background in optical fabrication or testing metrology.
• Knowledgeable in interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products.

Benefits

• Health and disability insurance
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• EAP
• Education assistance
• Paid time off
• Company-paid holidays

Pay

The salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C., Denver, or NYC areas is $161,500.00 - $300,500.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.