Optical Engineering

ESRhealthcare and EXEC STAFF RECRUITERS • San Diego, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. The position involves contributing to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assisting with design trades and system-level evaluations, and supporting the development of compact, high-performance payloads. A hands-on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems, is also expected. The position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work, with the ideal candidate comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains. The role involves evaluating and maturing emerging optical technologies, analyzing experimental data to inform design decisions, and documenting results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 6+ 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).

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, such as diffractive and meta-optics.
• Analyze experimental data to inform design decisions.
• Document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

What This Job Offers

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