Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

Boeing•Albuquerque, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Optical Design Engineer (Level 2 or 3) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Design Engineer to support the advancement of ground-based electro-optical tracking and imaging systems. In this role, you will lead the design, simulation, and integration of high-precision optical systems, transitioning conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional, state-of-the-art experimental hardware. This is an opportunity to utilize cutting-edge design tools and work directly with world-class, large-aperture telescopes at a historically significant military research site. This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of control solutions.

Requirements

This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
This position requires ability to obtain U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance or equivalent (Post Start)
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
2+ years of experience in optical design
2+ years of experience with design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced Electro-Optical Systems
Must be willing to work variable shifts; including days, evenings, nights, and weekends
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Nice To Haves

Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
Advanced study in Optical Specialization
Experience working with adaptive optics systems
Experience with high power lasers
Optical System Integration: knowledge of multi-discipline integration issues applicable to infrared/electro-optical (IR/EO), visible, ultraviolet (UV), photonics, fiber, high energy laser, and optics, including reliability, availability, maintainability, testability, supportability, mechanical design, packaging, electrical, software, configuration management, environmental constraints, safety, human factors
5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on optical design, ray tracing, and wavefront modeling using industry-standard design tools
Analyze optical system performance, including wavefront error, stray light, and distortion over temperature and structural variations
Design, model, and implement advanced optical architectures
Analyze interferometry, wavefront, and metrology data from real-world optical payloads to refine design tolerances and improve alignment strategies
Design, optimize, and validate complex optical systems in Zemax OpticStudio or Code V
Develop and execute optical bench testing, assembly integration, and interferometric verification to validate physical hardware against design models
Integrate optical designs with precision opto-mechanical mounts, active deformable mirrors, and sensor payloads on stable laboratory and telescope platforms