Optical System Engineer and Lens Designer (Job ID:4540)

Valkyrie•Huntsville, AL

55d•$100,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Valkyrie Enterprises is seeking an Optical System Engineer & Lens Designer to support weapon system sensor/seeker simulation, testing, and evaluation, development, planning, and analysis. This role involves refractive and reflective optical system design, integration of lens systems with projectors and hardware, and laser/infrared radiometry. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in lens design (Zemax OpticStudio), opto-mechanical CAD modeling, multi-spectral optical system analysis, sensors/seeker testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation. The successful candidate will be crucial in expanding technology solutions and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction. Responsibilities include optical design, mechanical packaging, assembly, alignment, testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems, as well as configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment for testing missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors across visible and infrared wavebands.

Requirements

BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a highly related technical area and at least 5–10+ years of related experience in optical design and engineering (mid-to-senior level).
Proven track record of designing, tolerancing, and analyzing complex refractive and reflective optical systems and elements.
Extensive experience with optical design software, specifically Zemax OpticStudio, for ray tracing, optimization, and tolerancing.
Extensive experience with opto-mechanical packaging and CAD design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or equivalent) to bridge the gap between optical design and mechanical implementation.
Demonstrated experience working with both visible and infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) wavelengths, including material selection, coatings, and thermal effects.
Higher-level language programming skills (Matlab, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis, optical test automation, and design visualization.
A passion for solving complex optical and physical problems and providing workable hardware solutions.
Strong analytical and reasoning skills with the ability to visualize complex 3D optical/laser systems.
Excellent all-around communication skills with a proven ability to work individually and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
Customer service orientation experience.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related degree.
Deep experience in stray light analysis (using Zemax, FRED, ASAP, or equivalent) and environmental/thermal analysis of optical systems.
Extensive experience with HWIL simulation equipment, such as Laser and/or Electro-optical Infrared (EOIR) Scene Projectors, collimators, blackbody sources, sensors, and target generators.
Experience in secondary optical design platforms like Code V or OSLO.
Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs and military standards (MIL-SPEC) for optical component fabrication and testing.
Active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced optical engineering, lens design, opto-mechanical integration, testing, verification, and analysis expertise for scene projection and weapon system integration and test activities.
Serve as an optical engineering and lens design subject matter expert (SME) and coordinate with other optical and mechanical hardware engineers.
Perform end-to-end design of refractive and reflective optical systems (including lens, mirror, and prism design) utilizing Zemax OpticStudio, spanning visible and infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) wavelengths.
Utilize opto-mechanical CAD software to model, package, and analyze optical components, mounts, and systems, ensuring structural and thermal stability.
Develop custom laser and optical solutions for testing seekers/sensors, managing optical trade studies, tolerancing, and stray light analysis.
Support hands-on laboratory activities including the assembly, alignment, and optical testing (e.g., interferometry, MTF measurement, wavefront analysis) of developed systems.
Perform configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized HWIL equipment in support of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors.
Apply comprehensive knowledge to resolve complex opto-mechanical and optical performance anomalies.
Collaborate continuously with cross-functional engineering teams, providing mentorship to junior optical engineers and physicists.
Support the preparation of regular program status reports, technical design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR), and presentations for senior leadership and government customers.
Identify and mitigate optical program risks while developing robust technical contingency plans.