Senior Optical Engineer

Mid‑Senior Level | Full time | Engineering | Livermore, CA | 06/25/2026

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and scientific discovery. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers responsible for the design, analysis, assembly, integration, and testing of custom optical systems deployed on aircraft and spacecraft.

This work includes the development of innovative optical solutions spanning concept development through flight hardware realization. You will interact with engineers, scientists, technicians, project leaders, and sponsors in support of mission‑critical optical systems. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in‑person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

• Design, analyze, assemble, integrate, and test custom and complex optical instrumentation supporting aircraft and spacecraft missions.
• Conduct optical system modeling and performance analyses using optical design and engineering tools.
• Operate and analyze data from optical metrology equipment including interferometers, spectrophotometers, collimated source testing systems, and related instrumentation.
• Develop and implement optical test methodologies, data analysis techniques, and software tools to support engineering evaluations and performance verification.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation, procedures, test plans, technical reports, and design packages.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, designers, and technicians to realize complex optical systems.
• Support procurement activities by preparing optical hardware specifications, reviewing vendor deliverables, and assisting with component acceptance.
• Serve as a technical contact and present technical work to project teams, design reviews, and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Lead the design, integration, and delivery of complex optical instrumentation for spaceflight and national security applications.
• Establish technical approaches, evaluate alternatives, and provide technical direction for optical system development efforts.
• Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews, sponsor interactions, and multidisciplinary project activities.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of optical engineering principles, concepts, and techniques.
• Significant experience applying optical engineering methods to the design, analysis, integration, and testing of optical systems.
• Experience using optical design and analysis software such as CODE V, Zemax, FRED, or equivalent tools.
• Advanced knowledge of optical metrology techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience analyzing technical data and communicating engineering results.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment and present technical information.

• Subject‑matter expert knowledge of complex optical system design, analysis, and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead optical engineering efforts involving highly complex technical challenges.
• Experience influencing technical direction and providing engineering recommendations to management, sponsors, and review boards.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Significant experience designing, developing, and delivering optical instrumentation for spaceflight…