Principal Optical Engineer

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations worldwide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

Being a part of Qineti

Q US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Our diverse and inclusive environment lets you be authentic, feel valued, and realize your full potential. We support health and well‑being for you and your family and offer opportunities to work with a purpose.

Qineti

Q US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense-oriented programs through the full product life cycle, from the lab to the field.

• Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts.
• Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of electro‑optical/infrared (EOIR) systems.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical and sensor components, supporting the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to manufacturing and sustainment.
• Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more.
• Build and align benchtop prototypes, conduct experiments, and validate performance against design requirements. Verify optical designs and test delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
• Characterize performance of EOIR sensors across visible, near‑infrared (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), mid‑wave infrared (MWIR) and longwave infrared (LWIR) types, and other sensors as needed.
• Use laser sources and other methods to perform precise alignment of optical components and telescope systems, working with visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources.
• Define optical and sensor component and system specifications and select optical components—including lasers, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses—to meet program requirements.
• Design, simulate, tolerance, and optimize optical systems, components, and lens layouts using Zemax to generate baseline reference designs for further design and fabrication by external vendors. Simulate laser parameters with Excel or Zemax.
• Interpret stray‑light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray‑light in systems.
• Generate technical documentation and reports and convey or present the information to management and the customer.

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in optical design and related fields relevant to the position responsibilities, including strong prior experience working in the defense or aerospace industry.
• Experience in laboratory environments, including expertise with opto‑mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting, and laboratory testing.
• Design experience incorporating HD visible sensors, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR sensors with optical assemblies (including fixed focus and zoom configurations) into higher‑level systems.
• Experience modeling visible, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification of objects.
• Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM).
• Experience in specifying displays, especially near‑eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems.
• Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax.
• A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers.
• Up to 10% travel to support project needs, including to Qineti
  
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