Associate Optical Engineer

Posted 2 days ago

qinetiq usLorton (VA)

Photonics Engineers Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

SENIORITY

Lead

SALARY

$74,850–$95,800

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About the role

Optical Engineer Position QinetiQ US is looking for a new-grad optical engineer to assist with electro-optic/infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team. In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You'll 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—you'll help provide the sensing capability that enables the 'observe' stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop. You will work with key technologies, including: Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)EOIR sensors Tactical lasers, Class 1–4Success in this role is defined as contributing to robust EOIR optical designs, assisting prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

Responsibilities: Assist our Sr. Principal optical engineer and others in the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser optics for next-generation defense systems. Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment. In this role, you will assist with and learn:

Requirements:

Analysis and Specification Definition Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define optical, imaging sensor, and display specifications
Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi-band electro-optical/infrared (EOIR) systems
Imaging Sensor Optical Design Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software
Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software
Select appropriate optical components to meet program requirements
Laboratory Optical Characterization Utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts
Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type
Test and validate delivered optical assemblies
Construct test stations as needed to support program test and validation requirements
Prototype Integration Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, and lasers
Perform precise alignment and bore sighting of optical components and sub-assemblies in multi-aperture multi-band and imaging and laser systems
Transition to Manufacturing Document technical specifications and processes
Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related discipline
Understanding of multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)
Knowledge of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser optics
Must be willing to travel (up to 10%) to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Coursework, lab work, or internship experience in optics for imaging sensors
Strong technical writing and presentation skills
Experience with relevant optical CAD software
Prior internship or work experience, especially with a defense-oriented company
Active DOD Secret level clearance
Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $74,850–$95,800USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement: Accessibility/Accommodation: If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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