Scientist, Optical Engineering; Space Optical Systems

Overview

L3

Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3

Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3

Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title:

Scientist, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems)
Job Code:
36742

Job Location:

Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule:

9/80 (Every other Friday off!)
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

We are looking for an Optical Engineering Scientist who is technically rigorous, and a hands-on leader that thrives in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in optical system architecture and performance analysis, along with the ability to allocate priorities across multiple programs. You are comfortable operating as both a technical authority and collaborative team member, mentoring engineers, engaging customers, contributing to new business pursuits, and ensuring that complex optical systems meet demanding mission requirements.

Our programs include single and multiple aperture imaging systems, with both fixed and scanning platforms, operating across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most of these systems function in a space environment. Mission requirements and packaging have driven our solutions to utilize custom multiple-mirror reflective designs, some including free-form optics and refractive lens cell assemblies.

• Serve as the primary design author for complex optical imaging systems maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation.
• Interface with customers as needed and senior management and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required.
• Lead systems trade studies and evaluate and select optical materials, components, and vendors.
• Lead detailed image quality analyses, including wavefront error, modulation transfer function (MTF), ensquared energy, distortion, color correction, and resolution.
• Perform tolerancing and sensitivity analysis in support of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) and thermal predictions.
• Conduct comprehensive stray light and ghost analysis, proposing and implementing corrective actions to suppress stray light artifacts.
• Develop and document detailed optical design specifications, tolerances, and test methods for imaging performance and stray light control.
• Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts.
• Support lower-level optical component specification generation and tolerancing and review with program colleagues.
• 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.
• Mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical design, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices.

• Bachelor’s Degree in optics or related field and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
• Expert Level experience using Zemax and/or Code V for optical design and analysis including both sequential (Zemax and/or Code V) or non-sequential (FRED) tools.
• Experience in space-based telescope systems or complex commercial imaging systems, acting in a SME role.
• Strong portfolio of completed optical design…