Optical Engineer

Leidos•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing. In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads. You will also play a hands-on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies—such as diffractive and meta-optics—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts. This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.

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.
Play a hands-on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems.
Evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies—such as diffractive and meta-optics.
Analyze experimental data to inform design decisions.
Document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.