Principal Optical Engineer

Company Overview

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 world-wide. 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).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose.

We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team.

In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You'll support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more- you'll help provide the sensing capability that enables the 'observe' stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop.

You will work with Key technologies, including:

• Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)
• EOIR sensors
• Tactical lasers, Class 1-4
• Optical boresight and stabilization

Success in this role is defined as delivering robust EOIR optical designs, guiding prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems. Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment. This role will have responsibility in the following areas:

• Requirements Analysis and Specification Definition
  • Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define opto-mechanical, imaging sensor, and display specifications.
  • Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi-band electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
• Imaging Sensor Optical Design
  • Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors.
  • Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software.
  • Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses, and lasers to meet program requirements.
  • Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
• Laboratory Optical Characterization
  • 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…