Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position that spans two complementary technical areas within the Hypersonics department at Kratos SRE. Approximately half of the candidate's effort (~20 hours per week) will be devoted to supporting the design, development, and commissioning of a new arc jet test facility (Project Helios), working alongside the facility Project Manager and Engineering Lead on facility design, planning, and qualification. The remaining effort (~20 hours per week) will support the department's growing flow diagnostics team, with responsibilities including technical proposal development, and applied research in laser-based diagnostics for high-enthalpy flows and multispectral imaging for test facilities or ranges.

Candidates with interest and expertise in the development of aerothermal screening facilities (arc jets, ICPs, microwave torches), convective heat transfer, aerothermodynamics, or optical/laser-based flow diagnostics should apply. The candidate must exhibit strong research initiative and independence with demonstrated competency executing technical projects. An active DoD SECRET security clearance is a plus. An active US Driver's License is required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Support the systems engineering, design, and commissioning of a new arc jet facility, including arc heater integration, nozzle design, test section layout, and vacuum/exhaust systems
• Develop instrumentation and control strategies for high-enthalpy aerothermal facilities, including data acquisition system architecture and facility control software
• Contribute to facility planning activities, such as interface documentation, schedule coordination, and risk identification, in collaboration with the Helios Project Manager and Engineering Lead
• Support the characterization and qualification of facility performance through intrusive and non-intrusive measurement techniques (e.g., contact calorimetry for heat flux and pressure, laser diagnostics)
• Plan and coordinate material testing in both internal and external high-enthalpy convective facilities
• Design, implement, and field optical and laser-based diagnostic techniques for high-enthalpy and reacting flow environments - examples would include optical emission spectroscopy (OES), tunable-diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), and/or schlieren imaging
• Develop and apply multispectral and high-speed imaging techniques for ground test facilities and range applications, including infrared thermography and species-specific emission imaging
• Lead or substantially contribute to the composition of technical proposals targeting DoD, NASA, and commercial research opportunities in flow diagnostics, aerothermodynamics, and aerothermal testing
• Compile and analyze research results, arriving at interpretations; lead technical report composition in area of expertise
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of the engineering discipline through familiarity with current literature and state of technology in the field

Other Job Functions

• Collaborate with team engineers on complex projects
• Manage personal schedule and prioritize work effectively
• Independently identifies problems and applies sound engineering judgement to arrive at solutions
• Compile and analyze research results, arriving at interpretations
• Communicate results with concise, clear reporting
• Independently evaluates, selects, interprets, and applies standard engineering techniques, processes, and criteria, and uses judgment in making adaptations and modifications to research projects.
• Must demonstrate an ability to learn quickly in a complex, high technology environment
• Perform other duties and assist other employees, as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system(s), ensures accuracy of reports through peer reviews
• Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives
• Technical Expertise - Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better, and contribute to the organization's intellectual capital.
• Communicates with Impact - Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience. Ideas are clearly defined in grammatically correct written communication.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• US Citizenship
• Active US Driver's License
• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline with a minimum of two years of relevant experience; OR a Master's degree in a relevant discipline with demonstrated research experience in experimental aerothermodynamics, high-enthalpy facilities, or optical/laser diagnostics
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Python and LabView
• Laboratory or equivalent experimental experience, including hands-on work with instrumentation, data acquisition, or facility hardware
• Coursework or experience in gas dynamics, compressible flow, or aerothermodynamics

• Existing DOD SECRET clearance
• Master's or doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, with a thesis or dissertation involving experimental research in high-enthalpy flows, arc jet facilities, or optical/laser diagnostics
• Demonstrated experience in the development, commissioning, or operation of aerothermal or high-enthalpy test facilities
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following diagnostic techniques: emission spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy (e.g., TDLAS, wavelength modulation spectroscopy), laser-induced fluorescence (e.g., PLIF), schlieren/shadowgraph imaging, high-speed imaging, or infrared thermography
• Experience with multispectral or hyperspectral imaging in high-temperature or reacting flow environments
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing, including peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, or government proposal preparation
• Knowledge of flow control systems, vacuum systems, and/or high-power electrical systems
• Familiarity with computer-aided design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo)

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position involves work in an office and laboratory environment and could require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)
• Protective shoes

In performing the work for this position, the engineer must be able to:

• Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Stand for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.
• Walk for reasonable distances in performing the work.
• Occasionally lift / carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.
• Occasionally pull or push objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.

TRAVEL:

Moderate (~25%) domestic travel may be required to support off-site test execution, facility visits, conferences, or coordinate with government sponsors