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Leidos Defense Systems Sector is looking for an Senior Optical Engineer with the ability and experience to work multiple projects within the Sensor Systems Analysis and Engineering (SSA&E) Portfolio. This portfolio/department specializes in electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems, to include optical system integration, performance evaluation, analysis, and design as well as modeling & simulation efforts.
Current work includes (but is not limited to) the analysis of optical designs, optical system performance, and EO/IR imagery. The candidate may also perform design and testing of physical optical sensor systems while simultaneously supporting various forms of EO/IR modeling.
You will join a diverse team of junior-to-senior software developers, engineers, and scientists to help create unique solutions for complex problems. Our team solves important problems that make a difference and support our customers in the current and future defense of our nation; primarily in the areas of sensor integration, testing, characterization, modeling, simulation, data analysis, and algorithm development for EO/IR systems. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate experience in and/or enthusiasm toward developing a broader technical capability to support overlapping engineering and scientific disciplines with but a particular focus on optical engineering to solve challenging problems. Candidate will be expected to support multiple tasks in parallel, productively contribute in a team environment, and communicate effectively to management, coworkers, and customers.
If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!
Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!
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Primary Responsibilities
You will work closely with a team of engineers and scientists and would be required to have a working knowledge of and ability to apply standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to solve problems in a variety of contexts in which optical engineering would apply to EO/IR sensor systems and the modeling thereof.
Must have the ability to work and communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating the ability to explain technical solutions, practices, and procedures with others. Candidate will develop technical solutions that require collaboration with internal experts, deep analyses, and understanding of impact on end-product/solution—developing solutions to technical problems and issues that are unclear and require deep technical knowledge.
Basic Qualifications
Masters degree from an accredited university in optical engineering, electrical engineering, optics, physics, engineering physics, or an equivalent engineering or science degree with relevant experience.
15-20 years of experience in a related field or Doctorate degree with 13-16 year relevant experience.
Should be highly organized, demonstrating the ability to lead small optical projects because this position does expect some level of leadership.
Must be a US citizen, possess and maintain an active DoD secret clearance or able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville – North Alabama, AL, area.
Preferred Qualifications
An interest in working multiple projects with some programming ability is a plus. Another plus would be an aptitude and ability to create design documentation, requirements specifications, and other technical documentation.
Preference may be given to candidates with one of more of the following: a SECRET clearance or above; a TS/SCI clearance (with CI Polygraph); familiarity with EO/IR phenomenology; experience with image processing.
Original Posting:April 10, 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.
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For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world.
OUR MISSION
Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
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