Senior​/Principal Optical Engineer - Optics and Sensors Engineering, Onsite

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Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co‑workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance *

World‑changing technologies. Life‑changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking an Optical Engineer to provide advanced technical support with minimal direction in the development and realization of space‑based optical sensors. This support will focus on optical design, fabrication, and assembly; interpreting and translating opto‑mechanical concepts into designs and fabricated hardware; documentation; and finished experimental systems. Other responsibilities may involve providing operations, testing, data acquisition/recording/interpretation and diagnostic support as required.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute in the development of new techniques and processes, and in the improvement of existing ones to ensure the successful completion of a project.

Develop conceptual and detail designs of optical hardware for optical system applications

Identify, analyze and provide solutions and alternate approaches to complex optical problems using individual creativity and judgment

Perform technical calculations and analyze cost effectiveness of design, schedule and materials

Use design, engineering and scientific programs on computer systems to produce supportive documentation

Independently design, fabricate and assemble complex optical hardware

Experience with optical ray tracing software (e.g. Zemax, Code V, and/or OSLO)

Align with established ES&H regulations and procedures and perform duties in a manner that will not endanger the employees or other individuals, harm facilities or equipment or violate environmental regulations.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

$117,500 - $235,700

* Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.

Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance

The ideal R&D S&E Optical Engineering candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).

Use of laboratory test equipment: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, waveform/function generators, multimeters, power supplies, and data acquisition systems.

Knowledge of optical design, fabrication and opto‑mechanical mechanisms.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

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