Director Optical Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Date: Jul 9, 2026
Location: Tampa, FL, Florida, United States
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Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 29314
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $76,313.00 - $125,000.00
Security Clearance: Top Secret
Level of Experience: Mid HI

The Hardware Engineer supports U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) by evaluating the reliability of materials, components, and production techniques while designing and developing advanced hardware systems used in mission‑critical environments. Under general direction, this role contributes to the development of electronic, mechanical, optical, and DSP systems that enable secure communications, data networks, and display technologies for SOCOM operational needs. The Hardware Engineer analyzes system requirements, determines technical and economic feasibility, resolves design challenges, and ensures the successful deployment and sustainment of hardware solutions.
This requisition supports hiring at multiple experience levels. Final placement will be determined based on the selected applicant’s qualifications, experience, and skill sets.

• Evaluate reliability and performance of materials, components, and production methods used in hardware development.
• Plan, design, and develop electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, equipment packaging, optical systems, and DSP systems.
• Design and develop hardware systems that integrate with data networks, communications platforms, and display technologies.
• Analyze specifications and operational requirements to create practical and effective hardware solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies from both technical and economic perspectives.
• Collaborate with research engineers, scientists, and customer representatives to troubleshoot and resolve design challenges.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, technical procedures, and user manuals in accordance with DoD expectations.
• Compile and analyse operational data to support system improvements, technical assessments, and performance optimization.
• Plan, execute, and direct testing to establish performance standards for new designs or modifications to existing equipment, systems, or processes.
• May supervise technicians and technologists providing technical support.
• Additional duties as assigned or required.

• Level 2: 2 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 0 years experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience.
• Level 3: 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• Level 4: 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in realted field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
• Experience providing engineering support to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), DoD programs, or other government defense efforts.
• Knowledge of hardware engineering principles, including electronic components, integrated circuits, mechanical systems, optical systems, or DSP‑based hardware.
• Ability to analyze technical requirements, system specifications, and operational needs to develop effective hardware solutions.
• Experience evaluating material reliability, component performance, and production methods in accordance with DoD standards and mission requirements.
• Proficiency in conducting hardware testing, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with performance and quality standards.
• Ability to prepare and maintain technical documentation, engineering procedures, and system manuals in accordance with DoD guidelines.
• Experience compiling and analyzing operational or test data to support engineering assessments and system improvements.
• Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams, government stakeholders, and end users to resolve technical challenges.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to government and contractor personnel.
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

• Prior experience supporting special operations programs, tactical systems, or fielded military hardware.
• Familiarity with relevant military standards (MIL‑STD), ruggedized equipment design, environmental testing, or qualification processes.
• Experience supporting system integration, test events, or fielding activities for DoD systems.
• Knowledge of hardware modeling, simulation, prototyping tools, or mechanical/electrical CAD software.
• Experience supervising technicians or technical staff in a DoD engineering setting.
• Advanced technical background in materials science, circuit design, optical engineering, mechanical packaging, or embedded hardware.

• May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment.
• Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.

Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. We look forward to meeting you.

HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.