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Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist (Job ID:4429)

Valkyrie |
Huntsville, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 10/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/20/2026
Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist
Purpose:
Valkyrie Enterprises is seeking a Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist
  • At Huntsville, AL and Redstone Arsenal, AL for weapon system sensor/seeker simulation, testing, and evaluation, development, planning and analysis, which may include:
    • Optical system requirements, design, development and analysis
    • Scene projector optics and integration with seeker/sensor
    • Laser and infrared radiometry and testing of cameras and sources.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience in optical systems, optical engineering, sensors/seeker testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation.
  • The successful candidate will play a role in expanding our technology solutions to customers and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems. Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors.
Job Description:
  • Provide optical engineering design, development, integration, test, verification and analysis expertise to activities for scene projection and weapon system integration and test.
  • Serve as an optical engineering team member and coordinate with other optics subject matter experts (SMEs)
  • Design and develop laser and optical solutions for testing with seekers/sensors
  • Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems
  • Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors
  • Position requires comprehensive knowledge to resolve complex problems and provide solutions
  • Collaborate continuously and mentor team members and others.
  • Support the preparation of regular program status reports for senior leadership and government customers
  • Identify and mitigate program risks while developing contingency plans
Qualifications:
  • Must have a BA/BS in optical engineering, physics or related area and at least 0-10 years of related experience.
  • Must have the ability to conduct research and perform analysis on optical requirements and designs.
  • Must have optical design software experience for optical system design and ray tracing.
  • Must have higher level language programming (Matlab, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis and visualization.
  • Must have passion for solving problems and providing workable solutions.
  • Must have strong analytical and reasoning skills and ability to visualize optical/laser systems.
  • Must have all-round communication skills and ability to work individually and collaboratively.
  • Must be self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
  • Must have analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Must have customer service orientation.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or PhD in Optic Engineering,Physics and/or related degree, preferred.
  • Experience with optical design, assembly, ray tracing and/or HWIL testing, preferred.
  • Experience with HWIL equipment, such as Laser and/or Electro-optical Infrared (EOIR) Scene Projectors, sources, sensors and/or optics, preferred.
  • Experience in ZEMAX, Code V, OSLO, or equivalent software languages, preferred.
  • Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs, preferred.
  • Prefer an Active Secret clearance 
Security Requirements:
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Travel Requirements:
  • None to occasional travel; 10-25% or less
  • If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id).
Physical Requirements:
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
  • Communicating with others to exchange information
  • Light work that includes moving objects up to 25 pounds
 
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment.
 
Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics
 
Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to eligible employees to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
 
 

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$103,224 to $125,001
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