Optics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Description
SAIC is looking for a Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience in Chantilly, VA to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA. The Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems. This position serves as a key interface between government stakeholders and industry partners, facilitating collaboration across multiple vendors to improve interoperability, reduce program risk, and maximize future mission flexibility.
The successful candidate will support the maturation of advanced telescope technologies, manage cross-vendor interface coordination efforts, and contribute to the development of common engineering approaches that enhance interchangeability across future spacecraft builds. The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems integration principles, and the ability to work effectively across government, contractor, and industry organizations.
Key Responsibilities
• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge related to advanced telescope technologies, optical systems, and opto-mechanical architectures between government organizations and industry partners.
• Serve as a technical liaison between government stakeholders and telescope vendors to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of engineering objectives.
• Manage and coordinate telescope interface requirements across multiple industry vendors to maximize component and subsystem interchangeability for future spacecraft developments.
• Evaluate and adjudicate interface recommendations, technical trades, and design feedback from industry partners to reduce non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and improve future integration efficiency.
• Support the development, maintenance, and configuration management of telescope interface definitions, technical standards, and engineering baselines.
• Participate in opto-mechanical design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and engineering assessments throughout the system lifecycle.
• Support integration planning activities for telescope assemblies, optical payloads, and spacecraft interfaces.
• Collaborate with government and industry teams to identify opportunities for common architectures, modular designs, and standardized interfaces that improve mission flexibility and acquisition efficiency.
• Contribute to technology maturation efforts by assessing emerging optical technologies, evaluating readiness levels, and identifying transition opportunities into future programs.
• Coordinate technical activities among multiple vendors, government organizations, and engineering teams to support schedule, performance, and mission objectives.
• Support risk assessments, trade studies, and engineering analyses associated with telescope integration and performance.
• Develop technical documentation, interface control products, engineering recommendations, and executive-level briefings to support program decision-making.
Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs.
• Experience working with optical payloads, telescope systems, precision mechanical systems, or space-based imaging technologies.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities.
• Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations.
• Ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs and develop recommendations that balance performance, risk, schedule, and cost considerations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical information to government and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse engineering teams and organizations.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; eligibility for required program access.
• Desired Qualifications
• Familiarity with optical payload integration, telescope manufacturing processes, precision alignment techniques, and environmental testing.
• Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements management, and configuration control processes.
• Knowledge of optical performance modeling, structural analysis, thermal analysis, or optical system design principles.
• Experience supporting vendor management, technical interchange meetings, and government-industry partnerships.
• Familiarity with technology readiness assessments, acquisition planning, and transition of emerging technologies into operational programs.
• Experience supporting multi-vendor development environments and complex spacecraft integration efforts.
Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.