Specialist, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems)

Job Title: Specialist, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems)

Job Code: 33551

Job Location: Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description: 

We are seeking a dedicated Optical Engineer to join our growing team, providing critical on-site support in assembly, integration, and testing of optical components, subassemblies, and payloads for our aerospace programs. This role involves hands-on lab work, precise optical alignment, and meticulous inspection processes, frequently in a clean-room environment. Our projects span imaging and illumination systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems. The candidate may also be expected to assume an IPTL role where they will manage cost, schedule and technical execution of their deliverables.

Essential Functions: 

• Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with optical design and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets, alignment fixtures, and test layouts


• Work with Manufacturing/Operations personnel to develop and complete optical alignment and test procedures and documentation


• Participate in preparation and presentation of optical testing procedural steps as part of readiness reviews throughout the build process


• Conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems within a lab environment often using interferometer sources, collimating optics, and theodolites


• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting


• Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively. Provide regular updates to program leadership to communicate progress, issues, and execution status


• Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork


• Manage cost and schedule of deliverables as well as generating cost estimates for proposals


• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality


• Support optical design and modeling efforts as needed, with a focus on hands-on application and testing


• Perform detailed inspection of optical components to maintain system integrity


• Participate in systems trade studies, vendor assessments with an emphasis on practical evaluation and lab-based experimentation


• Mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical alignments and techniques, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices for lab-based system builds and experimental setups


• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.


• A minimum of 3 years of experience in hands-on optical alignment, testing, and inspection 


• Professional experience using alignment tools (e.g. collimators, interferometers, theodolites, alignment telescopes, CMM, laser trackers)


• Professional experience in interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products


• 3 years experience with Zemax and/or Code V optical software for design and analysis purposes

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active DoD Secret clearance


• Familiarity with optical merit functions and measures of performance (e.g. Wavefront Error, MTF, Ensquared Energy) and Zernike coefficients in the context of alignment


• Experience working on remote sensing infrared and visible space-qualified systems


• Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures


• Familiarity with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference


• Experience in creating Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation for new program solicitations


• Knowledge or experience in an Integrated Product Team Lead (IPTL) role


• Experience with high power laser components and systems.


• Knowledge of code path optical system alignment techniques


• Experience with precision lapping processes and techniques

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $97,00.00 - $180,00.00. 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.