Optical Engineer
Job in
Lorton, Fairfax County, Virginia, 22199, USA
Listed on 2026-07-19
Listing for:
Actalent
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-07-19
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Test Engineer, Mechanical Engineer
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Principal Optical Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design, integration, and validation of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across the full product lifecycle, from early lab prototyping through fielded deployment. This role blends hands-on laboratory work, optical design, and system integration, supporting rapid development efforts for next-generation sensing and imaging systems.
Responsibilities
+ Serve as a technical lead for optical systems, supporting development from concept through prototype, integration, and transition to production.
+ Perform Detection, Recognition, Identification (DRI) analysis to evaluate EO/IR system performance in operational environments.
+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, systems) to integrate sensors and optical subsystems into larger platforms.
+ Build, align, and test benchtop optical prototypes, validating performance against requirements.
+ Operate and expand a laboratory environment for optical testing and characterization, including use of integrating spheres, collimators, and alignment stations.
+ Conduct sensor characterization across multiple spectral bands, including visible, near IR (NIR), shortwave IR (SWIR), midwave IR (MWIR), and longwave IR (LWIR).
+ Perform precision alignment of optical systems using laser-based techniques.
+ Define system-level requirements and select optical components such as lenses, sensors, lasers, stabilization systems, and displays.
+ Develop and optimize optical designs using Zemax, including tolerance analysis and performance modeling.
+ Support stray light analysis and recommend mitigation strategies.
+ Verify and test optical hardware delivered from vendors to ensure compliance with specifications.
+ Generate technical documentation and clearly communicate results to internal stakeholders and external partners.
Essential Skills
+ Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related field.
+ 15+ years of experience in the optical design field.
+ 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, and LWIR sensors with optical assemblies.
+ Experience modeling sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification of objects.
+ Knowledge of techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM).
+ Experience 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.
+ Willingness to travel up to 10% to support project needs.
+ Must have active Secret or higher level clearance.
Additional
Skills & Qualifications
+ Experience modeling sensor systems in the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model.
+ Experience mentoring junior optical engineers.
+
Experience with hyperspectral systems.
+ Technical writing and presentation skills.
+
Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems.
Work Environment
The role is primarily located at the Lorton, VA facility with 25% or more travel to Fort locations for customer engagements. The work environment involves hands-on lab work and system-level ownership, providing exposure to cutting-edge EO/IR and sensing technologies and the opportunity to influence programs from early concept to fielded capability.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lorton, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $180000.00 - $200000.00/yr.
Our client offers a well-rounded, competitive benefits package. Employees have access to multiple medical plan options (including PPO and Kaiser in the DC/No
VA area), along with dental, vision, HSA/FSA, and mental health support, with the company subsidizing a portion of premiums. They also provide a 401(k) with employer match, life and disability coverage, and…
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