SENIOR PHOTONICS ENGINEER
About The Position
Bascom Hunter is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to lead the design and development of photonic circuits and optical systems for U.S. Department of Defense and aerospace customers. The role spans the full development lifecycle, from simulation and requirements definition through prototyping, laboratory characterization, integration, and production. The engineer will define requirements, select system architectures, build and test prototypes, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver hardware. The position is onsite in O’Fallon, Missouri. The role also involves working with manufacturing staff and suppliers to develop producible, reliable products, and preparing technical specifications, test reports, procedures, and design review materials. U.S. citizenship is required, along with the ability to obtain or hold a DoD security clearance. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a background investigation, including criminal history and identity checks.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain or hold a DoD security clearance.
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- At least 8 years of hands-on experience designing, testing, and troubleshooting photonic or optical systems.
- Strong foundation in optical physics, including propagation, polarization, interference, and diffraction.
- Proficiency with optical simulation tools, laboratory instrumentation, and quantitative data analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical work to customers and non-specialists.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, analysis, and development of photonic devices, optical systems, laser systems, and optoelectronic components.
- Perform optical modeling and simulation to develop system architectures and evaluate performance.
- Define optical requirements, specifications, performance budgets, and verification criteria.
- Select and evaluate photonic components, including light sources, detectors, fibers, waveguides, and coatings.
- Plan and execute characterization of optical components, subsystems, and integrated systems.
- Develop test methods, measurement procedures, and automated test setups.
- Analyze test data, identify root causes, and lead troubleshooting of optical, thermal, mechanical, and integration issues.
- Work with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing staff to deliver integrated, producible products.
- Ensure designs account for assembly, alignment, testability, and long-term reliability.
- Support supplier selection, component qualification, and transition to production.
- Prepare specifications, test reports, procedures, and design review materials.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
