Optical Systems Engineer

Arete Associates•Niwot, CO

1d•$95,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

Areté is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to support the design, construction, modeling, testing, and evaluation of solid-state, semiconductor, and fiber laser systems and other electro-optical systems. The role includes modeling and simulating laser and optical performance; planning measurements, diagnostics, and experiments; collecting and analyzing performance data; validating system-performance theories through measurement and analysis; and conducting research and development. The engineer will also develop and document diagnostics and processes for system evaluation and fabrication, along with component specifications, tolerances, simulations, and test procedures. This is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory position based in Areté’s Niwot, Colorado office. The role drives technical research for laser and sensor development programs, contributes to new-business proposals, and may serve as principal investigator for Department of Defense research and development projects. It works with manufacturing and engineering staff and supports prototype demonstrations, experiments, field tests, and technical reviews. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and pass a criminal background screen and a Department of Transportation drug test. Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Requirements

Proficient theoretical understanding of laser physics, optics, and design approaches.
Demonstrated capability in hardware build and test.
Experience executing DoD-funded research and development programs.
Appreciation of technical and business constraints for development projects.
Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning.
Entrepreneurial approach.
Ability to quickly understand project objectives and select suitable solutions.
Skilled and innovative problem solving.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong work ethic.
Attention to detail.
Inquisitiveness and ability to critically review peers’ technical work.
Responsiveness to technical questions and review from peers and technical management.
Adaptability to support varied roles and laser, lidar, and optical-system development projects.
Proficiency with standard MS Office software, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Proficiency operating standard electrical and optical test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, and detectors.
Proficiency in Matlab, Mathematica, Python, or another scientific computing language.
Basic understanding of optical detectors and radiometry.
Ability to develop models and simulations of laser dynamics to support optical designs.
Ability to develop code to process collected sensor data.
Ability to independently research available literature to address knowledge gaps.
U.S. citizenship.
Successful passage of a criminal background screen and DOT drug test.
Eligibility for access to classified information, subject to a government security investigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with remote sensing systems, including visible, infrared, or lidar.
Solid-state laser development experience.
Experience with COMSOL, Zemax, Ansys, Solidworks, CREO, or other design software.
Familiarity with Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis workflows.
Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Drive technical research for laser and sensor development programs.
Manage proposals for pursuits of new science and technology business.
Prepare calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance.
Analyze experimental data to assess laser system performance.
Develop laser and optical system specifications.
Work with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design.
Assemble, align, and test lasers and optical systems.
Document designs, procedures, and performance.
Design optical fixturing and tests for system alignment, construction, and performance verification.
Inspect optical components and systems.
Prepare and present technical briefings.
Participate in design reviews and maintain resulting system-design documentation.
Prepare electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments.
Plan and execute field tests and demonstrations of prototype electro-optical hardware, systems, and components.
Support proposal preparation for new technical work.
Serve as principal investigator for DoD research and development projects.
Submit technical proposals for research and development programs.
Perform additional duties as assigned.