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Lead Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Responsibilities Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Responsibilities Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Responsibilities Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Responsibilities Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$164K - $213K/yr

Responsibilities Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC ... Experience as an EO GEOINT Engineer or EO Thread Lead a PLUS ! Target salary range: $160,001 - $200 ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Experience as an EO GEOINT Engineer or EO Thread Lead a PLUS ! Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Lead Technician

Ashburn, VA

The Lead Technician - Fiber Optic Engineering is responsible for supporting the successful day-to-day execution of fiber optic deployment, splicing, testing, and maintenance activities across large ...

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Lead Optical Engineer information

What does a lead optical engineer do?

A Lead Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the creation of optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. They lead teams of engineers and technicians, manage project timelines, and ensure that optical solutions meet technical specifications and quality standards. In addition to technical work, Lead Optical Engineers often collaborate with other departments, provide mentorship, and contribute to research and development efforts to innovate new optical technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead optical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optics, photonics, and optical design, typically supported by a degree in physics, optical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and proficiency in CAD systems is crucial, and certifications like SPIE or OSA membership can be advantageous. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you manage teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring innovative optical solutions, project success, and effective coordination within engineering teams.

What are some common challenges lead optical engineers face when managing cross-functional projects?

Lead Optical Engineers often work on projects that require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software teams. A common challenge is aligning the optical design requirements with the constraints and timelines of other engineering disciplines, which may have different priorities or technical limitations. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to ensure that optical performance is not compromised while meeting overall project goals. Additionally, Lead Optical Engineers need to stay updated on the latest optical technologies and manufacturing processes to deliver innovative solutions within budget and schedule.

What is the difference between Lead Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectLead Optical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; often requires 5+ years experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settings, often leading projects
Employer & Industry UsageTechnology companies, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics
Comparison SummaryWhile both roles focus on optical systems, a Lead Optical Engineer typically oversees projects, guides teams, and makes strategic decisions, whereas an Optical Engineer primarily executes design and testing tasks. The Lead role requires more experience and leadership skills, but both share similar technical credentials and industry environments.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Lead Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Lead Optical Engineer job openings:

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA • On-site

QinetiQ US
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about QinetiQ USexternal

$164K - $213K/yr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.
Why Join QinetiQ US?
If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.
Position Overview
QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team.
In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You'll support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more- you'll help provide the sensing capability that enables the 'observe' stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop.
You will work with Key technologies, including:
  • Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)
  • EOIR sensors
  • Tactical lasers, Class 1-4
  • Optical boresight and stabilization

Success in this role is defined as delivering robust EOIR optical designs, guiding prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems. Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment. This role will have responsibility in the following areas:
  • Requirements Analysis and Specification Definition
    • Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define opto-mechanical, imaging sensor, and display specifications.
    • Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi-band electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
  • Imaging Sensor Optical Design
    • Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors.
    • Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software.
    • Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses, and lasers to meet program requirements.
    • Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
  • Laboratory Optical Characterization
    • Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more.
    • Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type.
    • Test and validate delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
    • Design new tests and test stations and construct laboratory apparatus as needed to support program test and validation requirements.
  • Prototype Integration
    • Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, and lasers.
    • Perform precise alignment and boresighting of optical components and sub-assemblies in multi-aperture multi-band and imaging and laser systems.
  • Transition to Manufacturing
    • Generate technical documentation and reports.
    • Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff.
    • Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions.
    • Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field
  • 10+ years of experience in imaging and laser optical design, including:
    • Specifying EOIR and imaging sensor optical components
    • Modeling imaging sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification range of objects
    • Designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax, CODE V, or other relevant industry-standard software packages
    • Integrating imaging sensors, optical assemblies, and lasers into optical benches and system prototypes
    • Manipulating visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources
    • Working in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting
  • Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
  • Occasional (up 10%) travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
  • Must currently hold an Active DoD Secret or higher-level clearance #qinetiqclearedjob

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background working in the defense or aerospace industry
  • Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model) or similar package
  • Ability to mentor junior optical engineers
  • Hyperspectral system design
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills
  • Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering
  • Experience specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
  • A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers

Pay Transparency
The salary range for this role is $164,500- $213,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Company EEO Statement
Accessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.
QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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