Optical Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners. Leadership Mindset at HII – Mission Technologies Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title.

Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture: Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success. Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust. Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.

Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve. Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement. Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies. Job Description The Electro‑Optics Engineer will provide advanced engineering, research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) support to Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane across maritime, expeditionary, and airborne domains. The engineer will contribute to the next generation of EO/IR technologies used in weapon systems, visual augmentation devices, lasers, multi‑sensor targeting systems, displays, beacons, and critical warfighter situational awareness platforms.

This position plays a key role in extending component lifecycle, integrating state‑of‑the‑art technologies, addressing capability gaps, and enhancing overall system reliability and readiness. Essential Job Responsibilities Perform RDT&E activities for EO/IR systems throughout the full lifecycle, including concept development, design, integration, testing, evaluation, and sustainment. Conduct research and engineering analyses to identify critical enabling EO/IR technologies and assess their suitability for specific warfighting applications.

Execute laboratory, field, and range testing for lasers, visual augmentation systems, multi-sensor EO/IR targeting systems, weapon sights, sensors, and shipboard gun weapon system optics. Analyze system performance data and conduct modeling, simulation, and quick‑reaction assessments to address emerging operational needs. Identify and address technology gaps; develop recommendations to enhance leading‑edge EO/IR capabilities and ensure alignment with evolving adversarial threats.

Support development of improved EO/IR components and subsystems aimed at reducing lifecycle costs and increasing reliability across multiple platforms. Assist with integration and technology transition efforts to ensure new capabilities can be adopted into existing systems or platforms. Contribute to logistical analysis, lifecycle management reviews, and sustainment planning as part of total system engineering support.

Develop technical documentation including test plans, engineering reports, analyses, design documentation, and recommendations for technology insertion. Collaborate with government engineers, scientists, program managers, and cross-functional stakeholders to advance scientific and technical objectives. Minimum Qualifications 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 with electro‑optical, infrared, or laser-based systems. Knowledge of optical sensors, imaging systems, detectors, and optical components. Experience with data analysis tools and engineering software.

Ability to work on-site at NSWC Crane. Active Secret clearance. Preferred Requirements Master’s degree in a related engineering or physics discipline.

Experience with military EO/IR systems, weapons sensors, or surveillance technologies. Familiarity with modeling tools such as MATLAB, Zemax, or similar. Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs or government engineering teams.

Knowledge of system engineering processes, test methodologies, and configuration management. Physical Requirements May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills. Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division 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.

Apply today. We look forward to meeting you. To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072 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. Why HII 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. Do You Need Assistance?

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.