{"id":3419440,"url":"https://alion.io/job/bascom-hunter-senior-photonics-engineer","title":"SENIOR PHOTONICS ENGINEER","company":{"id":4391201,"name":"Bascom Hunter","domain":"bascomhunter.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/bascomhunter","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"ADP","truth_index":null},"role":"Semiconductors","role_family":"Semiconductors","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["O'Fallon, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":96000,"max_usd":176000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":83},"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-28T20:33:02Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-28","last_verified_at":"2026-11-04T12:02:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":6,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":6},"description":"Photonics is changing what’s possible in defense systems, and at Bascom Hunter, you’ll help drive that change. As our Senior Photonics Engineer, you’ll lead the design and development of photonic circuits and optical systems for U.S. Department of Defense and aerospace customers, from the first simulation through lab characterization, integration, and production. This isn’t a role where you hand off one piece of the problem: you’ll set the requirements, choose the architecture, build and test the prototypes, and work side by side with our electrical and mechanical engineers to turn them into deliverable hardware. If you want your expertise to have a direct, visible impact on technology that supports national defense, this is the role. This position will be onsite in O’Fallon, MO\nResponsibilities\nPhotonic System Design and Development\nLead the design, analysis, and development of photonic devices, optical systems, laser systems, and optoelectronic components.\nPerform optical modeling and simulation to develop system architectures and evaluate performance.\nDefine optical requirements, specifications, performance budgets, and verification criteria.\nSelect and evaluate photonic components, including light sources, detectors, fibers, waveguides, and coatings.\nPrototyping, Testing, and Characterization\nPlan and execute characterization of optical components, subsystems, and integrated systems.\nDevelop test methods, measurement procedures, and automated test setups.\nAnalyze test data, identify root causes, and lead troubleshooting of optical, thermal, mechanical, and integration issues.\nEngineering Integration and Product Development\nWork with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing staff to deliver integrated, producible products.\nEnsure designs account for assembly, alignment, testability, and long-term reliability.\nSupport supplier selection, component qualification, and transition to production.\nPrepare specifications, test reports, procedures, and design review materials.\nQualifications\nU.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain or hold a DoD security clearance.\nMaster's degree or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. \n8+ years of hands-on experience designing, testing, and troubleshooting photonic or optical systems.\nStrong foundation in optical physics, including propagation, polarization, interference, and diffraction.\nProficiency with optical simulation tools, laboratory instrumentation, and quantitative data analysis.\nProven ability to lead technical projects and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.\nClear written and verbal communication, including presenting technical work to customers and non-specialists.\nWhy Bascom Hunter\nHigh-ownership technical role with direct influence on product architecture\nOpportunity to shape next-generation aerospace and defense systems\nExposure to customers, proposal efforts, and strategic growth initiatives\nCompetitive compensation and benefits\nAll positions at Bascom Hunter are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.\nBascom Hunter is an equal opportunity employer. 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