Sr. Optical Engineer

KBR • Greenbelt, MD

16h • Remote

About The Position

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers . KBR is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support exploration missions with optical engineering expertise for spaceflight instrumentation, including lunar environments. The contractor will work closely with NASA and/or third-party partners to provide design, analysis, and technical guidance for advanced optical instruments. The Sr. Optical Engineer will be responsible for: Evaluate and review mature optical designs for laser altimeters and hazard detection lidar systems, providing feedback on performance, tolerancing, materials selection, and manufacturability. Assist with requirements development, optical design trade studies, and baseline design development. Lead and perform structural, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) analyses and produce associated deliverables. Provide guidance on optical materials selection for spaceflight instruments, considering expected environments. Collaborate with subject matter experts in areas such as fiber optics, materials, and reliability analysis. Engage technical working groups (e.g., Stray Light, Optical Design, Optical Bonding) for reviews and consulting. Lead and attend project meetings to discuss methods, results, schedule, requirements, plans, and team coordination. Prepare documentation, presentations, and reports as required. Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in optical design of spaceflight instruments and lidar systems.
• Expertise in optical analysis, tolerancing, and STOP analysis.
• Knowledge of optical materials selection for spaceflight environments.
• Proven ability to lead optical design, trade studies, STOP analysis, and related technical activities.
• Strong documentation, presentation, and reporting skills.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with lunar or other space exploration instruments.
• History of working with spacecraft at NASA Goddard Space Flight center, or another NASA center.
• Deep understanding of GSFC/NASA flight hardware standards and cleanroom protocols.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and review mature optical designs for laser altimeters and hazard detection lidar systems, providing feedback on performance, tolerancing, materials selection, and manufacturability.
• Assist with requirements development, optical design trade studies, and baseline design development.
• Lead and perform structural, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) analyses and produce associated deliverables.
• Provide guidance on optical materials selection for spaceflight instruments, considering expected environments.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts in areas such as fiber optics, materials, and reliability analysis.
• Engage technical working groups (e.g., Stray Light, Optical Design, Optical Bonding) for reviews and consulting.
• Lead and attend project meetings to discuss methods, results, schedule, requirements, plans, and team coordination.
• Prepare documentation, presentations, and reports as required.
• Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment.

Benefits

• KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.
• We support career advancement through professional training and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees