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Stray Light Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems. * Generate technical documentation and reports and ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience conducting Stray Light and Ghosting Studies using tools like FRED or ASAP to ensure high-fidelity IR sensing against bright backgrounds. * Mission-Specific Studies: * Leading Jitter and ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer

El Cajon, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience conducting Stray Light and Ghosting Studies using tools like FRED or ASAP to ensure high-fidelity IR sensing against bright backgrounds. * Mission-Specific Studies: * Leading Jitter and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems. * Generate technical documentation and reports and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems. * Generate technical documentation and reports and ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and laboratory testing and evaluation is required. Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and laboratory testing and evaluation is required. Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience conducting Stray Light and Ghosting Studies using tools like FRED or ASAP to ensure high-fidelity IR sensing against bright backgrounds. * Mission-Specific Studies: * Leading Jitter and ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.Proficiency using an optical software package (examples may include ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience conducting Stray Light and Ghosting Studies using tools like FRED or ASAP to ensure high-fidelity IR sensing against bright backgrounds. * Mission-Specific Studies: * Leading Jitter and ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and laboratory testing and evaluation is required. Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and laboratory testing and evaluation is required. Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. 3+ years relevant industry experienceExperience in Stray light analysisExperience in lens characterization ...

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Stray Light information

What are stray light engineers and what do they do?

Stray light engineers are professionals who analyze, design, and mitigate unwanted light in optical systems, such as cameras, telescopes, or sensors. Stray light refers to any light in an optical instrument that does not follow the intended path and can degrade image quality or sensor performance. These engineers use specialized software and testing methods to identify the sources of stray light, design baffles or coatings to reduce its effects, and ensure the system meets performance requirements. Their work is essential in industries like aerospace, defense, and photography, where high-precision optics are required.

What is the difference between Stray Light vs Optical Technician?

AspectStray LightOptical Technician
Required CredentialsKnowledge of optics, optical systems, and light behaviorCertification or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, optical manufacturingOptical labs, manufacturing plants, research centers
Industry UsageOptics, aerospace, defense, scientific researchOptical manufacturing, repair, and testing

While Stray Light specialists focus on minimizing unwanted light in optical systems to improve performance, Optical Technicians handle the assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical devices. Both roles require knowledge of optics and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ: one concentrates on optical system optimization, the other on hands-on optical device work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Stray Light Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Stray Light Technician, you need a solid background in optical engineering or physics, with experience in light measurement and analysis. Familiarity with optical simulation software, photometric instruments, and relevant certifications like Certified Optical Technician (COT) are common requirements. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills help in identifying and mitigating sources of stray light in systems. These skills ensure accurate system performance and prevent unwanted light interference in high-precision optical applications.
Infographic showing various Stray Light job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, and 96% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Technical Staff - Optical Engineering (Lens Design and Straylight Analysis)

Technical Staff - Optical Engineering (Lens Design and Straylight Analysis)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA • On-site

$145K - $187K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security, but to the advancement of science itself.  The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one-of-a-kind optical systems for terrestrial, air, and space missions of national importance.  Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems, and high energy laser optical systems.   The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under challenging conditions.  Recently, this included compact, extremely wide field-of-view space telescopes; ultra-compact, freeform optics-based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber encapsulated ultra-small optical imaging systems.  The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer-reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards.   The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.  

We are seeking talented and driven professionals who are excited to work on challenging real-world problems, develop and execute novel ideas, and work as an integral part of highly collaborative and nurturing teams. Lincoln Laboratory offers abundant opportunities and resources for learning and professional development, as well as a collaborative work environment across many disciplines. 

Position Description

We are seeking highly skilled optical design engineers to generate new concepts and designs for a broad range of optical systems: from UV through infrared, reflective and refractive, from few photons to high energy lasers, imaging and non-imaging, and for a variety of applications in stressing environments. The work may encompass many aspects, including concept development for specific needs, lens design, stray light analysis, trade studies, and integration and testing.  Experienced technical staff in the group help in new program development, teaming with technical and mission stakeholders, and lead research initiatives.  They also exercise their skills and develop new techniques for ray tracing and optimization, optical component tolerancing and specification, optical system alignment, and performance testing.

Ample opportunities for learning, technical growth, and mentorship are available to all staff through programs, training, and research initiatives. Staff work in small, effective, multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and specialists with varying experience levels in a respectful and collaborative environment.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD or Masters plus 5-years relevant experience, with degree in optics/optical engineering/optical sciences, or engineering with a concentration in the above.
  • Lens design proficiency in Zemax and/or Code V is required. Stray light analysis is strongly desired (FRED, LightTools, or non-sequential Zemax).
  • Track record of having worked on complex optical systems in industry/Labs/UARCs/etc
  • Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers. 
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work. 
  • Experience leading and managing small teams (desired). 
  • Ability to obtain necessary security clearances. 
  • Willingness to travel to meetings and field sites as needed. 

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000

 

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance with compartmented program eligibility

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42754 

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