Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Optical Engineer Job Details

The Optical Engineer's function is to plan, design, analyze, communicate, and execute the optical design for high performance optical assemblies, and to determine the following: (1) compliant preliminary and final optical designs, (2) optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis in coordination with mechanical and integration & test engineering, (3) document optical prescription and optical layout, (4) support fabrication, assembly, integration and test for 100% on-time delivery, (5) investigate, identify, and resolve engineering problems involved in the manufacturing of Coherent Aerospace and Defense products to provide a smooth transition into routine production.

Very experienced professional with a full understanding in multiple areas of specialization (see list below); resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways. Understands the customers' business and has an intimate understanding of the customer's needs; can accurately anticipate customer needs. This job is an advanced level career position.

Key experience, knowledge, or specialization that will enhance effectiveness in this position includes:

• Resource for information about optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal sensors, illuminations and projection systems using coherent and incoherent sources.
• Expert technical knowledge of a wide application of principles, theories and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
• Lead optical sensitivity and Monte Carlo tolerance analyses without guidance.
• Expert understanding of Opto-Mechanical assemblies (Refractive vs Reflective, Visible vs MWIR, etc.)
• Responsible to understand properties and application of optical materials: crystalline, glass, and polymer materials for refractive systems in the IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV portions of the spectrum.
• Responsible to understand the applications and limitations with Anti-Reflective (AR), High-Reflective (HR), and filter optical coatings.
• Proficient regarding optical component or system test and metrology instruments, techniques, and performance testing, e.g. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Transmitted Wavefront Error, Surface Figure, focal length, encircled or ensquared energy, transmission, relative illumination, veiling glare, etc.
• Provide design input on optical alignment techniques and optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, theodolites, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.)
• Lead trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment and tests for optical instruments.
• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging.
• Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings.
• Advanced understanding of optical component or system inspection per typical standards, e.g. MIL-PRF-13830B or ISO 10110, including cosmetic or functional Scratch-Dig, particle or residue contamination, reflectance, transmittance, index of refraction, surface roughness, BRDF, etc.
• Familiar with materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, one and two part adhesives, and elastomers.
• Familiar with mechanical metrology instruments and techniques and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Knowledge of optical and mechanical materials and fabrication processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, optical physics, or a related discipline is required, along with an understanding of optical and mechanical manufacturing and test processes and the ability to apply engineering theories and concepts.
• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years experience with a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD.

• Ability to lead conceptual development, detailed analysis, conceptual and detailed computer aided (e.g. Zemax, CodeV) design of optical imaging systems.
• Expert…