Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

Boeing•Albuquerque, NM

3d•$91,800 - $151,800•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 their team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The role involves supporting the advancement of ground-based electro-optical tracking and imaging systems. The engineer 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 position utilizes cutting-edge design tools and involves working directly with world-class, large-aperture telescopes at a military research site. The 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. The engineer will work as part of a multidisciplinary team 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

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

Benefits

Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security
You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems
You’ll assume ownership for the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application
You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields
We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement
Relocation based on candidate eligibility
Competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities
Health insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Health savings accounts
Retirement savings plans
Life and disability insurance programs
Programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work