Director Optical Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

## Optical EngineerApplylocations: Dahlgren, VAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: November 11, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: R0246988Optical Engineer**The Opportunity:**What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the support and testing of electro-optic (EO) components for integration into high energy laser (HEL) weapons. We’re looking for an optical engineer who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter.Our team supports the design of state-of-the-art directed energy weapons systems to enhance warfighter capabilities. That’s why we need you, an optical engineer, who is interested in the testing of weapons systems. You’ll directly impact the U.S. Navy and other Department of War entities by providing optical technical expertise. This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics and lasers while broadening your skillset. Join us and take on exciting challenges as we support the warfighter with state-of-the-art directed energy capabilities.Join us. The world can’t wait.**You Have:*** 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment, including oscilloscopes, power meters, photodiodes, detectors, interferometers, wavefront sensors, spectrometers, or beam profilers* 5+ years of experience with alignment of optical components, cameras, lasers, or opto-mechanics* 3+ years of experience in labs including designing test setups, development of test plans, recording data, and reporting meaningful results* Experience in laser systems, including gain media, pump sources, thermal management and control, opto-mechanics, optical coatings, substrates, characterization and specification, beam shaping, or beam control* Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification, and in the testing of EO sensors as it applies to overall integration into a weapons system* Knowledge of the major components and integration of laser systems, including the optical train* Ability to collaborate with a variety of engineering specialties, such as mechanical, optical, or software, across a functional team in the development of optical systems* Ability to learn, adapt, and assist in testing of high priority weapons systems in a professional environment* Ability to obtain a Secret clearance* Bachelor's degree in an Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering field**Nice If You Have:*** 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy or other military service laser and EO systems* 5+ years of experience with HEL weapon systems, including fiber laser technology* 5+ years of experience with ISR EO technology development, analysis, test and evaluation (T&E), and platform integration* Experience working with design and analysis software, including FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, Solidworks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems* Experience with pulsed lasers, fiber optics, free-space optics, nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, imaging and radiometric tools, or integrated photonics* Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiment, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance in relevant military environments and ranges* Knowledge of practical problems associated with the design, building, integration, and testing of laser weapons systems* Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred; Doctorate degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field a plus**Clearance:**Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.**Compensation**At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,500.00 to $176,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date. #J-18808-Ljbffr