Optical Engineer

Description

We are seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense-oriented programs through the full product life cycle, from the lab to the field. Responsibilities - Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. - Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems. - Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical and sensor components, supporting the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to manufacturing and sustainment. - Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more. - and align benchtop prototypes, conduct experiments, and validate performance against design requirements. Verify optical designs and test delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements. - Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type visible, near infrared (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), midwave infrared (MWIR) and longwave infrared (LWIR) sensors, but also others as needed. - Use laser sources and other methods to perform precise alignment of optical components and telescope systems. Work with visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources. - Define optical and sensor component and system specifications and select optical components including lasers, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses to meet program requirements. - Design, simulate, tolerance, and optimize optical systems, components, and lens layouts using Zemax to generate baseline reference designs for further design and fabrication by external vendors. Simulate laser parameters with Excel or Zemax. - Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems. - Generate technical documentation and reports and convey or present the information to management and the customer.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or related field - 15 years of experience in optical design and related fields relevant to the position responsibilities, including strong prior experience working in the defense or aerospace industry - Experience in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting, laboratory testing - Design experience incorporating HD visible sensors, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR sensors with optical assemblies (including fixed focus and zoom configurations) and into higher-level systems - Experience modeling visible, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition and identification of objects - Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM) - Experience in specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems - Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax - Knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers - Up 10% travel to support project needs, including to customer sites, military installations, and other locations - Must have active Secret or higher level clearance Preferred Qualifications - Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model) - Experience mentoring junior optical engineers - Experience with hyperspectral systems - Strong technical writing and presentation skills - Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering

Experience Level

Expert Level

This is a Permanent position based out of Lorton, VA.

The pay range for this position is $180000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lorton,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $180,000 - $200,000