Lead, Optical Engineering; Aerospace Systems

Lead, Optical Engineering (Aerospace Systems)

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Harris Technologies.

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering (Aerospace Systems)

Job Code: 32140

Job Location: Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Optical Engineer to join our growing team, providing critical on-site support of architecture system design and studies to support new business pursuits as well as assembly, integration, and testing of optical components, subassemblies, and payloads for our aerospace programs. Our projects span imaging and illumination systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems. The role often requires managing multiple program efforts in parallel with short deadlines and necessitating direct engagement with internal and external stakeholders as part of a multidisciplinary team. The candidate may also be expected to assume an IPTL role where they will manage cost, schedule and technical execution of their deliverables.

• Generate optical designs to mission specific requirements or for trade space explorations.
• Review system optical requirements with system and project engineering colleagues to support new business pursuits and/or as part of the design/build process for aerospace programs.
• Conduct optical analysis (imaging, WFE, stray light, throughput, etc.) to predict performance in test and operational environments and create error budgets for components and assemblies to support the AI&T process.
• Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts.
• Document analysis results in support of the design process and technical record.
• Support lower-level optical component specification generation and tolerancing and review with program colleagues.
• Collaborate with project team members to mature optical system designs.
• Interface with customers as needed and senior management and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively. Provide regular updates to program leadership to communicate progress, issues, and execution status.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
• Participate in systems trade studies, vendor assessments with an emphasis on practical evaluation and lab-based experimentation.
• Mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical alignments and techniques, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices for lab-based system builds and experimental setups.

• Bachelor’s Degree in optics or related field and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• 7+ years professional experience with Zemax and/or Code V optical software for design and analysis purposes.
• Professional experience with geometrical optics, diffraction, imaging lens design, radiometry/photometry and optical component tolerancing.
• Professional experience in sequential optical design and analysis software (CODEV / ZEMAX) and in non-sequential analysis software (FRED).
• 6+ years experience in space telescope or remote sensing optical design for scientific or defense applications.
• Professional experience supporting hands‑on optical alignment, testing, and inspection.
• Knowledgeable in interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products.