Optics Engineer

At Aerosphere Power and Navigation, we're committed to attracting and nurturing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about their work. Our employees share a common purpose-supporting our customers' missions while pursuing their own professional growth. We foster an inclusive and engaging workplace culture where innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance thrive. Core to our values is a steadfast commitment to excellence, community engagement, and integrity in everything we do.

Aerosphere Power and Navigation Corporation is a leading independent provider of advanced inertial navigation and power solutions for the aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. As pioneers in fiber optic gyros, and ring laser gyros, we drive innovation across a wide range of navigation applications and power-conversion applications.

Location: Budd Lake, NJ Job Type: Full Time Department: Engineering

We are seeking an Optics Engineer to contribute to the design and development of advanced optics used in high-precision navigation products. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of optics, photonics, and precision instrumentation. The ideal candidate will design, develop, test, and optimize optical systems and components used in inertial navigation and photonics-based products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, to bring high-performance optical technologies from concept to production.

• Design and model optical systems, including fiber-optic components, interferometers, and precision optical assemblies.
• Develop optical layouts, tolerances, and performance simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
• Support the development of photonic subsystems for navigation sensors such as Fiber Optic Gyros (FOGs) and related technologies.
• Test and characterize specialized equipment for custom CCD camera systems used in high-reliability applications.
• Perform testing of low-noise focal-plane detectors for scientific, space-based applications.
• Maintain calibration of all radiometric devices traceable to NIST
• Build and evaluate optical prototypes, including alignment, calibration, and performance characterization.
• Conduct optical testing using interferometry, beam profiling, spectral analysis, and other metrology techniques.
• Analyze test data to validate designs and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to transition optical designs into scalable production processes.
• Develop alignment procedures, test protocols, and quality standards for optical assemblies.
• Troubleshoot optical issues in production and fielded systems.
• Work with systems engineers to ensure optical performance meets overall product requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and customer-facing engineering activities when needed.
• Document designs, test results, and engineering changes in accordance with company and industry standards.
• Support documentation, test procedures, and design verification reports.

• BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related technical field and at least 2-4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with high reliability products in a clean room environment.
• Proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, Light Tools).
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, assembly, and testing.
• Strong understanding of lasers, fiber optics, interferometry, or photonic components.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and optical specifications.
• Understanding of existing test equipment and calibration procedures for optical test equipment.
• Understands engineering build and test documentation, cause-effect diagrams, decision matrices, flowcharts, testing and data analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Experience with inertial navigation systems, fiber‑optic gyros, or photonic integrated systems.
• Familiarity…