Associate Opto-Mechanical Engineer

QinetiQ US•Lorton, VA

1d•$74,850 - $95,800

About The Position

QinetiQ US is looking for a new-grad opto-mechanical engineer to assist with electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor system design, laboratory characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team. You will design and build the ruggedized physical structures, mounts, and mechanisms that hold optical components, bridging optical design and mechanical engineering. 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: Optical benches combining various EOIR sensors and tactical lasers (class 1–4) Optical boresight and stabilization Materials science, especially glass, metal, and adhesive performance under temperature and shock Thermal analysis and design Success 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optical or mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline
Understanding of opto-mechanical systems, including physical structures, mounts, and mechanisms that hold optical components
Knowledge of EOIR subsystems, including cameras, optics, windows, and lasers
Knowledge of opto-mechanical design and fabrication
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

Nice To Haves

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

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 subassemblies 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.
Assist with and learn Requirements Analysis and Specification Definition: Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define opto-mechanical specifications.
Assist with and learn Laboratory Optical Characterization: Utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts. Test and validate delivered optical bench assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements. Design test stations and construct laboratory apparatus as needed to support program test and validation requirements. Design/specify specialized alignment tools.
Assist with and learn Optics Bench Design and Prototype Integration: Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, windows, and lasers. Perform precise alignment and bore sighting of optical components and sub-assemblies in multi-aperture multi-band and imaging and laser systems. Perform thermal and shock analysis. Design of mechanical and housing assemblies. Application of sound materials science and tolerancing principles. Design, analysis, testing, and validation of athermalized optical mounts and adjustment mechanisms.
Assist with and learn Transition to Manufacturing: Document technical specifications and processes. Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments.