Principal Optical Engineer

QinetiQ US•Lorton, VA

About The Position

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense-oriented programs through the full product life cycle, from the lab to the field.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or related field
15+ years of experience in optical design and related fields relevant to the position responsibilities, including strong prior experience working in the defense or aerospace industry
Experience in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting, laboratory testing
Design experience incorporating HD visible sensors, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR sensors with optical assemblies (including fixed focus and zoom configurations) and into higher-level systems
Experience modeling visible, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition and identification of objects
Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
Experience in specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax
A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers
Up 10% travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
Must have active Secret or higher level clearance #QinetiQClearedJob

Nice To Haves

Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model)
Experience mentoring junior optical engineers
Experience with hyperspectral systems
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

Responsibilities

Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts.
Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical and sensor components, supporting the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to manufacturing and sustainment.
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.
Build and align benchtop prototypes, conduct experiments, and validate performance against design requirements. Verify optical designs and test delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type visible, near infrared (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), midwave infrared (MWIR) and longwave infrared (LWIR) sensors, but also others as needed.
Use laser sources and other methods to perform precise alignment of optical components and telescope systems. Work with visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources.
Define optical and sensor component and system specifications and select optical components including lasers, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses to meet program requirements.
Design, simulate, tolerance, and optimize optical systems, components, and lens layouts using Zemax to generate baseline reference designs for further design and fabrication by external vendors. Simulate laser parameters with Excel or Zemax.
Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
Generate technical documentation and reports and convey or present the information to management and the customer.