Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy

Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy

HII's Mission Technologies division has an opportunity available for a Lead Electro-Optical Engineer located in Knoxville, TN. The Lead Electro-Optical Engineer will lead and direct the design, development, and integration of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO-IR) systems that support high-energy laser and high-power microwave directed energy platforms. This role ensures that optical designs—including beam control systems, optical assemblies, stray light mitigation, precision alignment, and laser propagation systems—translate into safe, functional, and production-ready hardware that meets stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate will excel at optical systems design and analysis, demonstrate leadership in collaborative multidisciplinary environments, and thrive when developing solutions with incomplete or evolving requirements typical of advanced defense programs.

Essential

Job Responsibilities:

• Design & Engineering Leadership
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Systems Integration
• Risk Management & Problem Solving
• Technical Documentation & Configuration Leadership
• Stakeholder Communication & Program Leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

• Level 4 - 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
• Level 5 - 15 years relevant experience with Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 13 years relevant experience with Master's degree in related field; OR 10 years relevant experience with PhD in related field.

High-level proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent) for complex optical systems. Extensive experience with high-power laser systems design, integration, and alignment. Experience with stray light analysis and mitigation techniques. Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed optical designs. Ability to perform fundamental optical analysis working from first principles. Demonstrated technical leadership driving results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Experience with requirements management and traceability (DOORS or equivalent). Experience with fabrication, manufacturing methods, and hands-on optical prototyping. Proven leadership mentoring and developing engineers across all levels. Clearance:
Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Preferred Requirements:

• Advanced optical analysis experience including wavefront error budget analysis, thermal distortion modeling, and laser beam propagation.
• Experience with EO-IR sensors, thermal imaging systems, and night vision systems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB for optical modeling and data analysis.
• Experience with Fourier transform spectroscopy and optical characterization techniques.
• Deep thermal management expertise for high-power optical applications.
• Experience with LIDAR or laser ranging systems.
• Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
• Clearance:
  Active SECRET level security clearance.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills. Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.