Job Description:
-00189913
Location: San Diego, CA
Category: Optical Engineering
Schedule (FT/PT): Full Time
Travel Required: No
Shift: Day
Remote Type: No Remote
Clearance: None
External Referral Program: Eligible
Referral Bonus Amount: $2000
Sector: Defense
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What You'll Do:
You will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
You will also play a hands-on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies—such as diffractive and meta-optics—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.
This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
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)