Senior Optical Engineer, R&D

About the Role

As a senior optical engineering specialist on a defense technology R&D team, you will lead optical design and investigations for autonomous directed-energy hardware. Your work will help turn optical concepts into robust systems built for real-world use.

What You'll Do

• Lead optical design and analysis for core system components.
• Run optical investigations and trade studies to guide system-level design decisions.
• Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures with vendors and fabricators.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration.
• Conduct tolerance analysis, performance validation, and design iterations.
• Guide alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.
• Establish effective practices for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.

What We're Looking For

• Typically 5 or more years of relevant experience in optical engineering, optical design, physics, or related hardware engineering.
• Hands-on experience designing and analyzing optical systems that were built and operated, including aligning and characterizing precision optical hardware.
• Strong command of optical theory and experience debugging hardware and leading investigations from first principles.
• Experience with optical trade studies, component selection, subsystem architecture, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.
• Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on optical packaging and integration.
• Familiarity with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V; experience designing high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, or beam directors is relevant.
• A BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On-site in San Francisco, California, with range days.