Optical Engineer, Design & Architecture

Anduril Industries • Boulder, CO

3d

About The Position

The Imaging team is seeking an Optical Engineer to focus on design and architecture in support of an expanding and maturing product line at a transition point from prototyping to maturity. This role involves leading architecture decisions, performing optical trades for novel optical systems for broadly defined missions, and designing lenses and optical components for high-performance imaging systems. The engineer will understand and define optical performance requirements given multi-disciplinary engineering constraints, and transition high TRL prototype optical assemblies to production fieldable systems. Responsibilities include designing and tolerancing complex visible to infrared optical systems for ground & airborne applications, developing and reviewing test setups, procedures, and data, and evaluating/analyzing prototype and production optical system performance errors to determine root cause. The role requires serving as the Optical Engineering subject matter expert to solve interdisciplinary technical problems.

Requirements

• BS in Engineering or Physics/Astronomy required with a concentration in Optics
• 5+ years of experience with complex opto-mechanical systems, performing optical system design, analysis, alignment and test in the workforce
• Experience building LIDAR, laser communications, or adaptive optics systems, with a strong understanding of pointing, acquisition, and tracking.
• Expertise with optical design and analysis software, preferably Zemax or CodeV
• Experience with STOP (Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance) analysis
• Knowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methods
• Experience with the design of diffraction limited imaging systems in dynamic environments
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

• MS or PhD preferred, but not required
• Demonstrated first principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problems
• Optical component testing experience (spectral transmission, interferometry, etc.), optical system alignment and testing (EE, MTF, PSF, etc.), and opto-electrical system modeling
• Demonstrated experience in the integration, test, and performance requirements verification and validation of optical systems
• Experience with radiometry and stray light analysis
• Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff
• Knowledge of common materials used in optical systems and limitations of fabrication methods of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture decisions, optical trades for novel optical systems for broadly defined missions
• Design lenses and optical components for high performance imaging systems
• Understand and define optical performance requirements given multi-disciplinary engineering constraints
• Transition a high TRL prototype optical assembly to a production fieldable system.
• Design and tolerance complex visible to infrared optical systems to meet performance requirements for ground & airborne applications
• Develop and review test setups, procedures, and data to transition products and systems from R&D to production
• Evaluate and analyze prototype and production optical system performance errors to determine root cause
• Work independently and collaborate with senior staff and leadership to solve interdisciplinary technical problems by serving as the Optical Engineering subject matter expert

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior