Engineer 2, Optical Systems

Arete Associates•Niwot, CO

3d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. Discover your future with us. Arete is in search of a dedicated and meticulous Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team based in Niwot, CO. This role is critical to the development, testing, and assembly of state-of-the-art lasers and optical systems. Though initial duties will align with the successful candidate's skills and experiences, career growth and continued on-the-job learning are expected. Responsibilities will encompass designing, modeling, analyzing, and testing optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components. These include sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Additionally, the position may require supporting research and development initiatives through the application of a solid understanding of physical optics, geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. This is a part-time, temporary, exempt, non-supervisory position, located in our Niwot, CO office.

Requirements

BS in Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience would be considered.
Strong knowledge of laser systems, optics, and principles of light propagation
Hands-on experience in the assembly, alignment, and calibration of lasers and optical components.
Familiarity with laser testing equipment and techniques, such as power meters, beam profilers, and spectrometers.
Proficiency in using optical alignment tools and instruments.
Solid understanding of laser safety protocols and best practices.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent documentation and record-keeping abilities.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
Works well independently and as part of a team
Capable of managing and prioritizing multiple simultaneous responsibilities
Proficient in use of standard electrical and optical test equipment operation (e.g. oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, etc.).
Independently reviews available literature to fill in knowledge gaps as needed.

Nice To Haves

Lab experience with fabricating and testing optical systems
BS + 5 years’ experience /MS or higher in one of the following areas: Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering.
Proficient in Labview, Matlab, or Python
Capable of developing calculations or quantitative models to support optical designs.
Capable of developing code to process collected sensor data.
Capable of developing and analyzing optical designs with Zemax or similar optical engineering codes
Theoretical understanding of optical engineering and laser engineering principals

Responsibilities

Assembles, aligns, and tests lasers and optical system systems.
Collaborate with the engineering team to build lasers without a formal procedure, following best practices and safety protocols.
Perform alignment and calibration of optical components and laser systems.
Assist in the development and execution of laser testing procedures and experiments
Document procedures, results, and observations accurately and maintain organized records.
Troubleshoot technical issues related to lasers and optical systems and propose effective solutions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, researchers, and manufacturing personnel, to support product development efforts.
Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to enhance the performance and manufacturability of laser systems.
Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser technology and optics.
Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict optical system performance.
Collect and analyze experimental data to assess system performance.
Develop laser and optical system specifications.
Works with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design.
Design optical fixturing and tests to support laser alignment, construction, and performance verification.
Inspection of optical component and systems to detect fabrication faults.
Prepare and presents technical briefings.
Prepare electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments.
Plan and executes field tests and demonstrations of prototype hardware electro-optical systems and components.
Support proposal preparation for new technical work.