Principal Optical Engineer

QinetiQ US•Lorton, VA

3d•$164,500 - $213,500•Hybrid

About The Position

QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team. In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You’ll support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more— you’ll help provide the sensing capability that enables the ‘observe’ stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop. You will work with Key technologies, including: Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR), EOIR sensors, Tactical lasers, Class 1–4, Optical boresight and stabilization. Success in this role is defined as delivering robust EOIR optical designs, guiding prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or closely related field
10+ years of experience in imaging and laser optical design, including:
Specifying EOIR and imaging sensor optical components
Modeling imaging sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification range of objects
Designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax, CODE V, or other relevant industry-standard software packages
Integrating imaging sensors, optical assemblies, and lasers into optical benches and system prototypes
Manipulating visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources
Working in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting
Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
Must currently hold an Active DoD Secret or higher-level clearance

Nice To Haves

Background working in the defense or aerospace industry
Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model) or similar package
Ability to mentor junior optical engineers
Hyperspectral system design
Strong technical writing and presentation skills
Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering
Experience specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems.
Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment.
Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define opto-mechanical, imaging sensor, and display specifications.
Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi-band electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors.
Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software.
Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses, and lasers to meet program requirements.
Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more.
Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type.
Test and validate delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
Design new tests and test stations and construct laboratory apparatus as needed to support program test and validation requirements.
Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, and lasers.
Perform precise alignment and boresighting of optical components and sub-assemblies in multi-aperture multi-band and imaging and laser systems.
Generate technical documentation and reports.
Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff.
Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions.
Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments.