Senior Optical Engineer, R&D
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 9, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 6, 2026. Clera scores B on the Alion truth index.
About the Role
Join a defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems. You will lead optical design and investigations for hardware platforms, applying strong optical judgment to help deliver robust systems beyond the lab.
What You'll Do
Lead optical design and analysis for core system components.
Drive optical investigations, trade studies, and system-level design decisions.
Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures.
Partner with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration.
Perform tolerance analysis, validate performance, and guide design iterations.
Lead or support alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.
Work with vendors and fabricators on manufacturability, tolerancing, and component feasibility.
Establish practical approaches for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.
What We're Looking For
Typically 5 to 10 or more years of senior-level experience in optical engineering, optical design, or related physics-based systems work.
Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing optical systems built and operated as real hardware, including precision alignment, characterization, and hardware debugging.
Ability to apply optical theory from first principles and lead investigations that inform system-level decisions.
Experience with optical components and subsystem architectures, vendor collaboration, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.
Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on packaging, housing, and integration.
Relevant experience may include high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, beam directors, collimators, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics, or laser communications terminals.
Experience with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V, and 1-micron Yb fiber laser systems, is valuable.
BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California.