Optical Engineer

Draper•Cambridge, MA

1d•$62,500 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with more than 2,000 employees. Its multidisciplinary engineers and scientists work collaboratively to address national challenges across areas such as military defense, space exploration, and biomedical engineering. The Optical Engineer 1 designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. The role involves creating and implementing test procedures, selecting test instrumentation, and collaborating with hardware and software design teams to assess the qualification and manufacturability of new technologies. The position also supports instrumentation production, contributes to technical reports and presentations, and executes analysis assignments under program leadership oversight. Applicants selected for this position must obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. The position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Draper describes workplace flexibility and offers employee clubs, health and finance workshops, off-site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
0–3 years of experience in Optical Engineering or a related field.
Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design and high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent mathematical and mechanical skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time-management skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's or Ph.D. degree.

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, and integrate components with optical devices, and demonstrate device prototypes.
Develop, build, and test systems and products based on optical, photonic, and laser technologies.
Collaborate with device, hardware, and software design teams to develop optical systems; specify, select, and qualify active and passive optical components; and develop and benchmark system performance models.
Develop and implement test procedures and evaluate and select appropriate test instrumentation.
Provide multidisciplinary support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products, or systems.
Test new and existing designs and document changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
Provide recommendations for cost-reduction efforts.
Use quantitative analysis to determine the root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop, and implement corrective-action solutions.
Develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
Execute analysis assignments under the oversight of program leadership.
Contribute content to technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
Adapt to changes in program requirements.
Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
Perform other related duties as assigned.