Optical Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This role focuses on designing advanced optical systems for space-based instruments. The engineer will be responsible for designing and analyzing refractive and reflective objectives for space-based remote sensing and imaging systems, with expertise in optical design, stray-light analysis, and integration and test activities across the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrums. The position involves supporting instrument development from concept to delivery and ongoing technical support, pushing the boundaries of space science instrumentation, and performing necessary modeling, analysis, and testing to ensure instruments meet requirements. Collaboration with scientists to define fundamental requirements and designs is also a key aspect of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, or related discipline.
3-5 years of experience with regard to space system applications, thermal vacuum testing and/or optical engineering.
Experience with ray-tracing software such as Synopsys CODE V and/or Photon Engineering FRED.
Ability to create system performance budgets and perform radiometric analyses.
Knowledge of current detector technology for use in the UV to long wave infrared (LWIR).
Able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, or related discipline.
Experience characterizing and calibrating remote sensing systems in support of the production of scientific data products.
Experience performing structural, thermal, and optical (STOP) analysis.
Experience using computer aided design and finite element analysis software (eg. Creo Parametric and Ansys).
Have laboratory experience assembling and testing optical systems.
Currently hold an active Top Secret SCI level security clearance.

Responsibilities

Support instrument concept development, proposals, fundamental design, prototyping, detailed design, build, and test activities, culminating with delivery of an instrument to a spacecraft and ongoing technical and operational support.
Push the envelope for space science instrumentation, detection capabilities, and scientific discovery.
Perform the necessary modeling, analysis, and test activities to finalize the design and prove that each instrument meets science, operational, and interface requirements prior to delivery.
Perform optical design – requirements capture, concept design, layout, ray tracing, simulation, radiometry, tolerance analysis, opto-mechanical interface, proposal efforts, generation of component drawings, and presentation.
Perform stray light analysis – modeling, simulation, mitigation design, and presentation.
Provide general laboratory and I&T support, including optical alignment, testing, and calibration.
Provide program support at status meetings and reviews - formal & informal presentations and documentation.
Work closely with scientists to determine the fundamental requirements and designs necessary for the optical systems to achieve program goals.