Optical Engineer

Leidos • San Diego, CA

1d

About The Position

Leidos Defense is seeking an Optical Engineer to join the Emerging Space Systems Division, focusing on the development of advanced optical payload systems for future space missions. This role involves supporting the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems for visible and infrared spectrum applications. The engineer will contribute to optical system modeling, performance analysis, design trade-offs, and the development of compact, high-performance payloads. Hands-on laboratory work, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization, is a key part of this position. Collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is expected to evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies, analyze experimental data, and document findings for internal R&D and program efforts. This role requires a blend of analytical and experimental skills, with comfort in both simulation and laboratory environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 4+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of prior relevant experience.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.
• Familiarity with optical performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric considerations.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Experience with infrared optical systems or sensors.
• Hands-on experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical metrology.
• Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE V.
• Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent.
• Experience with electronic design automation tools and file formats (e.g., GDSII).
• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum.
• Contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis.
• Assist with design trades and system-level evaluations.
• Support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
• Perform laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems.
• Evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies (e.g., diffractive and meta-optics).
• Analyze experimental data to inform design decisions.
• Document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

Benefits

• Leidos delivers innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success.
• We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably.
• Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.
• Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees