Lead, Optical Engineering; Space 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: Lead, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems) - Up to 30k Sign-On Bonus

Job Code: 36744

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 Lead who can provide optical design solutions to meet technically challenging aerospace payload missions. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assessing functional requirements and driving initial trade studies to achieve a solution. The role often requires supporting multiple program efforts in parallel with short deadlines, necessitating direct engagement with internal and external stakeholders as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Participation in mentorship is expected and is key to knowledge transfer and skill dissemination within the group.

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.

• Develop complex optical imaging systems maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required.
• Participate in 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.
• 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 cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
• 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 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.
• Senior 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.
• Strong portfolio of completed optical design and analysis projects.
• Comfortable to present technical material effectively in customer-facing settings, support proposals, and help…