Lead, Optical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies•Wilmington, MA

3d•$135,000 - $250,500

About The Position

L3Harris is seeking an Optical Design and Analysis (ODA) Lead Optical Engineer to support aerospace programs. The role assesses functional requirements, limiting constraints, and key system performance metrics to support initial trade studies and develop optical design solutions. It also involves analysis of optical and stray-light performance to support alignment, sensitivity analysis, troubleshooting, and performance prediction. The position supports multiple program efforts in parallel, often with short deadlines, and requires direct engagement with internal and external stakeholders as part of multidisciplinary teams. Mentorship is expected to support knowledge transfer and skill development within the group. Programs include single- and multiple-aperture imaging systems on fixed and scanning platforms, operating across UV to LWIR wavelengths. Most systems operate in space environments. Designs include custom multiple-mirror reflective off-axis systems, sometimes using freeform optics, as well as traditional symmetrical geometries with refractive lens-cell assemblies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optics or a related field and at least 9 years of relevant experience; or a graduate degree and at least 7 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, at least 13 years of relevant experience.
Active Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

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.
Knowledge of interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data-analysis products.
Senior-level experience using Zemax and/or CODE V for optical design and analysis, including sequential tools (Zemax and/or CODE V) or non-sequential tools (FRED).
Experience with space-based telescope systems or complex commercial imaging systems.
Strong portfolio of completed optical design and analysis projects.
Ability to present technical material effectively in customer-facing settings, support proposals, and help define system specifications.

Responsibilities

Develop complex optical imaging systems, maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation, and serve as a Subject Matter Expert as required.
Participate in 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 to support 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.
Participate in program design reviews with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts.
Document analysis results in support of the design process and technical record.
Support generation and tolerancing of lower-level optical component specifications and review them with program colleagues.
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives.
Troubleshoot and verify system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
Mentor and guide new engineers in optical design, knowledge transfer, and adherence to best practices.