Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Code: 47337

Job Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off!)

Job Description:

We are seeking an Optical Design and Analysis (ODA) Lead Optical Engineer to support our aerospace programs. This role involves assessing functional requirements, limiting constraints, and key system performance metrics to support initial trade studies and the drive to an optical design solution. Other duties involve critical analysis of optical and stray light performance to support alignment efforts, sensitivity analysis, troubleshooting, and performance prediction.

The role often requires supporting multiple program efforts in parallel with short deadlines, necessitating direct engagement with internal and external stakeholders as part of a multidisciplinary team. Participation in mentorship is expected and is key to knowledge transfer and skill dissemination within the group.

Our programs include single and multiple aperture imaging systems, with both fixed and scanning platforms, operating across the UV to LWIR wavelength regions. Most of these systems function in a space environment. Mission requirements and packaging have driven our solutions to utilize custom multiple-mirror reflective off-axis designs (some including free-form optics), in addition to traditional symmetrical geometries with refractive lens cell assemblies.

Essential Functions:

• Develop complex optical imaging systems maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required.
• Participate in systems trade studies and evaluate and select optical materials, components, and vendors.
• Lead detailed image quality analyses, including wavefront error, modulation transfer function (MTF), ensquared energy, distortion, color correction, and resolution.
• Perform tolerancing and sensitivity analysis in support of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) and thermal predictions.
• Conduct comprehensive stray light and ghost analysis, proposing and implementing corrective actions to suppress stray light artifacts.
• Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts.
• Document analysis results in support of the design process and technical record.
• Support lower-level optical component specification generation and tolerancing and review with program colleagues.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
• Mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical design, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in optics or related field and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Active Secret Security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Development of macros and tools to support custom design tasks.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
• Experience with athermalization of optical systems.
• Experience with STOP analysis.
• Background in optical fabrication or testing metrology.
• Knowledgeable in interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products.
• Senior Level experience using Zemax and/or CODE V for optical design and analysis including both sequential (Zemax and/or CODE V) or non-sequential (FRED) tools.
• Experience in space-based telescope systems or complex commercial imaging systems.
• Strong portfolio of completed optical design and analysis projects.
• Proven ability to present technical material effectively in customer-facing settings, support proposals, and help define system specifications.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Massachusetts is $135,000 - $250,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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