Full Time Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal II Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicants will support assignments in EO/IR systems, precision pointing, lens design and other complex EO/IR product design/development at our southern New Hampshire locations. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that serve a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications.
The Senior Principal Optical Engineer II will lead a team in the development and maturation of advanced EO systems. This role is for an Optical Lead, responsible for the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the development of optical subsystem schedule/budgets, design and analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, be self-guided, generate solutions to complex programs, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects. Successful candidate will have a depth of knowledge and is considered a subject matter expert for optical architecture and optical system design.
Primary duties and responsibilities include:
1. Optical Lead in the design of Optical Systems for EO/IR Technology.
2. Contribute to program plans and proposals, schedules and design for optical subsystems.
3. Determine appropriate Optical Engineering tasks to ensure successfil program milestones
4. Predict performance of conceptual and existing optical subsystems using common analysis tools such as CodeV, Zemax, and Matlab.
5. Conduct Stray-light and Tolerance Analyses using FRED (preferred).
6. Devise and execute laboratory demonstrations of prototypes and Lead/Assist with integration of assemblies into systems.
7. Customer presentations and informal interactions in support of programs.
8. Contribute to program progress reports.
9. Develops solutions to complex problems and often works independently to resolve issues.
10. Self-guided to solve complex problems and is viewed as a subject matter expert in optics and EO/IR technology, with the ability to mentor junior engineers
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding in one or more of the following: Optics, Precision Pointing, Optical Lens Systems, Imaging Systems
• Experience designing optical systems, specifically for lens designs and other complex EO/IR optical designs
• Experience with sensitivity analysis and other optical system analysis
• Experience Integrating and testing hardware and optical components and subsystems in a laboratory environment
• Experience/ability/knowledge working with Focal Plane Arrays (FPA), microbolometers, EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging or sensor technologies
• Experience presenting proposals/designs to customers (internal and external)
• Ability to collect, analyze, and document EO/IR hardware requirements
• Ability to support proposals
• Experience allocating system requirements to subsystem requirements & creating supplier specifications for custom optical designs
• Willingness to provide manufacturing support for optical imaging test equipment
• Effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and a positive, can-do attitude

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance
• Preferred: Active Secret Clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.