Senior Optical Engineer

Wilcox develops innovative, world‑class electro‑mechanical combat systems for today’s warfighters and law enforcement officers. We are currently seeking a full‑time Senior Optical Engineer to join our team to ensure Wilcox is delivering a best‑in‑class product.

• Serves as technical expert in optical systems engineering.
• Supports all optical engineering needs on existing products and development efforts.
• Manages a small team of optical technicians; provides direction to team that is in line with business objectives.
• Responsible for annual reviews of direct reports, as well as goal setting with direct reports for their career growth.
• Assist with failure analysis and develop solutions for optical/laser issues.
• Responsible for setting up test equipment in production and laboratory environments, as well as for field testing.
• Responsible for optical system architecture.
• Supports modernization efforts of electro‑optics systems.
• Reviews new projects requiring optics and supports technical content of bid & proposal efforts.
• Involved with all aspects of development of electro‑optics (technical feasibility, trade studies, requirements creation & review, preliminary design & analysis, critical design & analysis, testing, etc.).
• Designs and simulates optical components and sub‑systems.
• Generates content and presents to senior level management, program managers, and the customer.
• Contributes innovative ideas for product development and optical process improvement efforts.
• Communicates the status of assigned work including current progress, estimated time to completion, risks, and identifies tools necessary to accomplish assigned work.
• Efficiently manages tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Performs other duties as necessary when directed to do so to support business needs.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10 years of optical engineering experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in Zemax or Code V.
• Ability to conduct a stray light analysis.
• Experience modeling and simulating the performance of optical systems, including lasers.
• Experience setting up optical alignment stations to support production.
• Experience with field testing optics.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills to drive self and team to meet goals and objectives of programs.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to interact with customers, suppliers, and other external personnel.
• Must be able to maintain composure in dealing with executives, staff, occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
• Regular on‑site attendance is a necessary function of this position.
• Wilcox is a U.S. government defense contractor, and this position requires access to export‑controlled technology. Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access U.S. government‑controlled technology prior to beginning work.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or Optical Systems Engineering.
• Working familiarity with NV‑IPM.
• Knowledge of FRED or SPEOS.
• Familiarity setting up a clean room.
• Experience with military standards, specifically MIL‑STD‑461 and MIL‑STD‑810.
• Experience with laser systems, night vision/imaging systems, or target location systems.

Wilcox provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.