View all jobs

Optical Design Engineer

  • Huntsville, AL

Position Title: Optical Design Engineer
Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Location: Huntsville, AL
Clearance: Secret
Salary Range: $115,000 – $180,000


Waypoint’s client is seeking a self-motivated Optical Design Engineer to build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems. This position involves significant hands-on laboratory work and interaction with team members during sensor development. The position is also contingent on the award of funding.

Responsibilities:
  • Build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems.
  • Perform hands-on laboratory work during sensor development.
  • Conduct optical experiments, including optical alignment and imaging system characterization.
  • Perform optical system design, tolerance analysis, and evaluation of optical materials.
  • Perform optical modeling using tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar.
  • Perform data analysis and reduction using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
  • Author technical documentation using Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel.

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • 5+ years’ experience in research, development, production, or operation of aerospace and defense systems.
  • Strong background in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years).
  • Proficiency in optical modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar (2+ years).
  • Proficiency in data analysis and reduction in tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar (2+ years).
  • Experience conducting optical experiments (e.g., optical alignment, imaging system characterization, etc.).
  • Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel to author technical documentation.
  • Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills.
  • Must be a US Citizen and meet eligibility to obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Desired:
  • Master's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • 10+ years’ experience in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years).
  • 5+ years designing, producing, or utilizing opto-mechanical systems for IR, near IR, or visible spectrum applications.
  • Previous experience in a lab and field environment researching and/or testing different optical, electro-optical, or opto-mechanical sensors and systems.
  • Interest or prior experience in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving optical, mechanical, and electrical issues affecting optical systems.
  • Willing and able to work in a clean room.