Chief Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The mission matters. So do the people behind it. With advancing defense technology at our core, what sets us apart is a culture of collaboration, purpose, and impact.
What is the mission?
Ignite matures and transitions capabilities focused on our Space Enterprise internal and external customer needs. This position will contribute to electro-optics (EO), laser radar, and directed energy (DE) program work under the LM Space Ignite, Advanced Capabilities Electro-optics & Security (ACES) directorate. The ACES team conducts applied research and rapid prototyping of systems & subsystems in relevant or operational environments, develops first-of-kind optical systems, and supports national defense with electro-optics and other technologies. This role will support the creation of discriminating and disruptive technologies, and performance of first-of-kind demonstrations in support of critical national needs in areas including electro-optics, laser radar, directed energy and power beaming. The position will support activities with multiple LM and government entities and requires a TS clearance.
We are looking for an experienced technical contributor in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems, laser radar, high energy laser beam control, systems architecture and systems engineering to join us in our mission to equip the warfighter with multiple, capable, and affordable EO/IR and DE systems. You will serve as a key member of the technical staff contributing to a range of contracted programs and internally-funded innovation and growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, cross-disciplinary, and innovative electro-optical systems designer and developer who can integrate optical, mechanical, electronic, and software elements into an effective, affordable, and delivered-on-time solutions.
What does this role look like?
Job responsibilities include:
Hands-on experience in the development of electro-optical systems, laser radar, or high energy laser beam control systems.
Experience developing engineering documents, e.g., specifications, vendor RFQs, proposal technical volumes, drawings, briefings, assembly work instructions, contract deliverables, and test plans / procedures.
Strong oral and written communications skills
Ability and willingness to travel to support on-site integration and field test of EO systems.
Bachelor's degree in a technical field relevant to EO/IR technology.
Experience leading the development of technical proposals.
Dedication to training and mentoring more junior engineers in your areas of expertise.
ship with the ability to obtain & maintain a Top Secret clearance.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an ACES relevant field (e.g., optics, quantum information science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics)
At least 15 years' of relevant experience in research & development as a technical lead with responsibilities including budget, schedule and technical performance
Demonstrated track record of leading and winning R&D proposals
Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and make data-driven decisions
Experience collaborating with multi-functional, geographically dispersed teams, and with other business entities
Proven track record of successfully partnering with business colleagues to achieve common objectives
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with collegues, leaders, and stakeholders
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and requirements
Strong writing ability, and experience and skill presenting to groups
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Ability to communicate complex ideas and explain technology and concepts to an audience of both experts and non-experts
Ability and willingness to travel.
Active Top Secret Security clearance
Desired skills
M.S. in an ACES relevant science or engineering field (e.g., physics, optics, aerospace)
20 years of technical experience with demonstrated expertise in maturing innovative optical technologies for national security applications
Experience in operational/mission analysis and simulation of EO/IR systems
Experience with detection and tracking techniques for passive and active optical systems
Experience with adaptive optics and beam control
Experience conducting mission trades and developing architectures and link budgets
Demonstrated experience leading the development of airborne or space-qualified hardware and/or payloads
At least 10 years' experience as a lead systems engineer or chief engineer
Extensive proof of experience in R&D business development, cultivating funding sources for innovative optical and defense technologies, and growing the business
Possess Top Secret, SCI and Special Access clearances
Diversity of customer experience and exposure across relevant government (Title 10 and Title 50) groups
Extensive professional network.
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
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At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to work remotely
Part-time Remote Telework: The employee selected for this position will work part of their work schedule remotely and part of their work schedule at a designated Lockheed Martin facility. The specific weekly schedule will be discussed during the hiring process.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $164,300 - $289,800. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $189,000 - $327,635. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.