Demo

Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Merrimack, NH Full Time
POSTED ON 10/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/23/2026

Job Description
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer II to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.

The Senior Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and other complex EO/IR systems.

This will include the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the design and analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects.


Primary Duties and Responsibilities Include:
  • Design and develop optical system architectures and specifications for EO/IR Technology.
  • Predict and Perform performance analysis and design verification.
  • Perform system modeling and system data analysis to understand the overall performance of the optical system.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Contribute to program success


Hybrid: Onsite 3 days per week


Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • BS degree in Optical Engineering or a related technical field
  • Experience in designing complex optical subassemblies and systems
  • Experience in optical system level performance modeling
  • Broad understanding of EO/IR Systems


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Salary : $132,962 - $226,035

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$110,220 - $132,692
Income Estimation: 
$151,084 - $181,738
Income Estimation: 
$133,507 - $160,824
Income Estimation: 
$136,663 - $175,160
Income Estimation: 
$157,953 - $182,694
Income Estimation: 
$150,019 - $174,189
Income Estimation: 
$195,084 - $224,443
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at BAE Systems

  • BAE Systems Warren, WY
  • Job Description BAE Systems is seeking an exceptional Personnel Security (PERSEC) Manager for a challenging and exciting opportunity to support Air Force G... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • BAE Systems North Kingstown, RI
  • Job Description BAE Systems is currently searching for a Field Service Engineer or high-level Technician with preferred experience working on the Trident I... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • BAE Systems Honolulu, HI
  • Job Description BAE Systems is looking for a self-motivated and experienced Systems Engineer / Systems Administrator to be an on-site engineering represent... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • BAE Systems Hill, UT
  • Job Description BAE Systems is looking for well qualified professionals to join our team for an exciting opportunity to support the readiness and sustainme... more
  • 16 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems jobs in the Merrimack, NH area that may be a better fit.

  • BAE Systems Merrimack, NH
  • Job Description BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • BAE Systems Hudson, NH
  • Job Description See what you’re missing. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics – from detecting threats for F-35 pilots to illuminati... more
  • 2 Months Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!