Principal Optical Engineer

Do you dream of space?  Do you imagine working on exquisite imaging systems that operate in the extreme environment of space and deliver timely information to support our national security?  Do you want to test how far your imagination can take you?

If so, we are looking for you, our next Principal Optical Engineer to work in San Diego, CA, as part of a small team to develop, test, and deliver operational on-orbit IR payloads.  Be an integral part of a small dynamic team multi-discipline team to develop quick-turn, mission critical solutions that will improve end user capabilities.  We know you’ll take great satisfaction in applying theory and technical creativity to rapidly develop impactful solutions for national defense space platforms.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission?  Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career - share your resume with us today!

Primary Responsibilities

• Design novel optical imaging systems, select components, and analyze tolerances to support product development and manufacturing.

• Expert technical knowledge of a variety of principles, theories, and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
• Ability to lead implementation of optical alignment techniques, optical alignment tools, and metrology (interferometers, autocollimators, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.)

• Generates optical module or system concepts to meet product requirements.

• Performs development activities including requirements definition, engineering reviews, risk evaluations, verification testing, and documentation.

• Work with suppliers on custom or semi-custom component selection, specification, and qualification.
• Assemble and evaluate prototypes, including optical characteristics, image quality (MTF), light polarization measurement, and thermal characteristics.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notes of the experimental results, and create necessary program documentation.

• Troubleshoot and analyze failures or performance gaps in optical systems, plan and conduct investigations, and determine solutions.

• Evaluate new test / process equipment and tools and provide recommendations.
• Document prototype assembly procedures that can be used for subsequent manufacturing process documentation.
• Identify potential roadblocks and develop solutions where the solution is not always well defined but always considers the operational capability first.
• Work to improve performance metrics through critical planning and execution of development tasks.

• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging.

• Participates in project planning, including key deliverables, timeline, and budget with tracking of actions and alignment of schedules.
• Assemble and test opto-mechanical and electro-optic prototypes.
• Advanced understanding of materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems.
• Advanced understanding of preparation and use of primers, one and two part adhesives, and elastomers.
• Mentor other engineers and technicians in optical design, error budgets, error analysis, optical fabrication techniques, alignment methods, and optical meteorology tools.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering or similar from an accredited college or university.
• 15-20 years’ work experience in optical design, including design of imaging systems.
• Experience with optical design software such as Code V, LightTools, and/or Zemax, including tolerance analysis and stray light modeling.
• Experience with optical system assembly methods and materials.
• Familiarity with the tools and techniques needed to characterize optical systems, including resolution, distortion, field curvature, and colorimetry.
• Experience troubleshooting the lab setups and systems and perform root cause failure analysis & stray light analysis.
• Experience with the transfer of new designs and processes to manufacturing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance. (U.S. Citizenship is required)
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in San Diego, California.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a development team.
• Self-motivation and comfort working in a fast-moving high-tech environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD, or a demonstrated understanding of Optical Physics and first principles-based approach to problem solving.
• Development experience in space-based systems.
• Experience defining and simulating detailed optical requirements based on future product needs.
• Experience in system level imaging system analysis.
• Familiarity with a camera image pipeline and its relationship to lens performance.
• Current and active DoD Secret clearance.
• Willing to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Original Posting:March 5, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $148,850.00 - $269,075.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.