Optical Engineer – Lead

Nou Systems Inc • Lexington, MA

85d

About The Position

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for optical sensor systems in support of the U.S. Army Reagan Test Site (RTS). Optical sensors have been integral to RTS since the 1960s, providing unmatched visible and infrared tracking for missile and space missions. While the Prime Contractor executes day-to-day operations, nSI engineers work alongside RTS leadership, the Prime Contractor, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL) to ensure that RTS optical systems are fully mission-ready and capable of meeting evolving requirements. The successful candidate will act as the technical authority for optical sensor capabilities, evaluate performance across the range’s five Super RADOT sites, and provide engineering expertise to guide mission operations, CONOPS evolution, and long-term modernization strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant experience with advanced optical systems, visible/infrared sensors, or tracking instrumentation.
• Proven expertise in optical system design, calibration, and performance characterization.
• Strong systems engineering background with ability to assess requirements, readiness, and mission risks.
• Experience working in joint environments with government, contractor, and laboratory partners.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with test ranges, missile defense, or space tracking operations.
• Familiarity with radar-optical integration and distributed control architectures.
• Ability to lead technically without direct operational control of systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across multi-organization teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as RTS’s optical systems SME, representing nSI in collaboration with RTS leadership, the Prime Contractor, and MIT/LL.
• Monitor performance and readiness of high-resolution visible and infrared sensors paired with 24-inch class apertures on two-axis gimbal mounts.
• Ensure optical systems achieve stringent metric accuracy and signature data collection requirements for missile and space missions.
• Provide independent technical assessment and recommendations on upgrades, risks, and technology roadmaps.
• Support mission planning, real-time execution, and post-mission analysis with expert optical engineering input.
• Inform CONOPS development and operational changes to optimize performance and resiliency.
• Collaborate across radar, telemetry, and instrumentation teams for integrated mission success.
• Track emerging optical technologies and assess applicability to RTS operations.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Norton LifeLock
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees