Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin

64 Lockheed Martin Optical Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Staff Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures ... What You'll Do: As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the ...

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Lockheed Martin Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is it like to work at Lockheed Martin?

Lockheed Martin is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous learning. The company's diverse workforce is organized into multidisciplinary teams that work together to design, develop, and deliver advanced technologies and systems for various industries, including defense, space, and commercial aviation. Working at Lockheed Martin offers opportunities to contribute to high-profile projects, develop cutting-edge skills, and be part of a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry.

Do workers at Lockheed Martin get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
74% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 62 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Does Lockheed Martin pay people when they’re sick?

Sometimes. Only some people get paid when they’re sick.
36% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

At Lockheed Martin, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are used from the same paid time off.
80% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 75 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Is the health insurance from Lockheed Martin affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
91% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people get paid time off at Lockheed Martin?

Most people get paid time off work.
91% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?

Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
  • 53% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
  • 16% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
  • 3% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
  • 28% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Do workers at Lockheed Martin worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
95% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Do Lockheed Martin workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
44% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 70 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

How easy is it for Lockheed Martin workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
40% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 72 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and April 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at Lockheed Martin?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
80% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do Lockheed Martin managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
94% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 95 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Do workers at Lockheed Martin do extra work that they don't get paid for?

Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
82% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at Lockheed Martin?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
83% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Is a Lockheed Martin job good for students?

Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
83% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.

Is working at Lockheed Martin good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
81% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Do people at Lockheed Martin feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
69% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people at Lockheed Martin get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
80% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Lockheed Martin?

Most people feel stressed out here.
69% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people at Lockheed Martin enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
75% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 75 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people at Lockheed Martin recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
53% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Lockheed Martin?

Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
48% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Lockheed Martin?

Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 68% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do people think Lockheed Martin’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
78% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Lockheed Martin is doing?

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
35% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2025 and May 2026.
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings at Lockheed Martin in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
High Energy Laser Beam Control Electro-Optical Engineer - Entry Level

High Energy Laser Beam Control Electro-Optical Engineer - Entry Level

Lockheed Martin

Sunnyvale, CA

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 375 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

We are looking for an electro-optical engineer with capabilities and interests in high energy laser beam control for applications including missile defense, power beaming, and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle defense. Candidates with laser/electro-optical experience relevant to high energy laser beam control are particularly sought; however, the position is open to all technically qualified candidates with a keen interest in high energy laser systems.
With a focus on electro-optical hardware engineering, you will serve on Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to design, develop, integrate, test, and deliver the beam control subsystem that lies at the very heart of a laser weapon or power beaming system. Its many functions include target acquisition, tracking, and aimpoint selection, beam power delivery to the target, beam alignment and optical stabilization, atmospheric turbulence compensation, and system safety and calibration. Thus, an ideal candidate will have strong fundamental skills, and the ability to learn on the job alongside our senior experts who have made Lockheed Martin a leader in this broad, interdisciplinary field.
We seek an energetic hands-on engineer who is highly interested in directed energy to grow with us.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912