Senior Optical Engineer (NWS 00923)

Location:   Livermore, CA
Title:  Senior Optical Engineer (NWS 00923)

North Wind Services (NWS) is a high performing, low risk company with a successful history of contributing to their client's missions. NWS executes and manages a wide range of technical services such as environmental investigation and restoration, construction, demolition, radioactive and hazardous waste management, public communication/involvement, information management, health and safety, industrial hygiene, and emergency response/HAZMAT services.

North Wind Services is actively seeking individuals who can contribute to national security within the science, technology, and engineering fields as part of our supplemental labor team at vital federal research and development installations supporting the Department of Energy. Qualified applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physicals, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Successful candidates will be employees of NWS supporting the missions of their federal client, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA. Pay, benefits, Human Resources, and employment management functions are all provided by NWS. As an NWS employee working at LLNL, within the client's environment, you will complete day-to-day tasks, with direction from technical personnel directly employed by LLNL.

The Global Security Directorate has an opening in the Intelligence Program Division for an experienced Optical Engineer. The successful candidate will ….

Essential Duties
-Perform optical design and analysis in CodeV or Zemax.
-Perform stray light modeling in FRED.
-Support error budgeting and tolerance analysis.
- Create drawings and system specifications as required to fabricate optical systems.
- Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Master's Degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or related field.
- 15+ years of experience in optical systems, aerospace engineering or related fields.
- Deep expertise in optical system design for cameras, telescopes, sensors, and laser systems across UV, visible, and IR spectra.
- Strong background in optical engineering analysis, including modeling, light propagation, performance assessment, and tolerance analysis.
- Strong understanding of large-scale scientific or defense projects, including laser systems and advanced sensor platforms.
- Skilled in strategic planning and execution for complex, multidisciplinary programs
- Effective communication skills for presenting technical concepts to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Experience with end-to-end hardware development lifecycle, from concept through deployment.

Special Requirements

Pre-Placement Medical Exam : A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer, pre-employment drug test.

Anticipated Government Clearance Level: Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants who are selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matters. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people. For more information about benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline Show phone number or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation ( form to get assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information NW collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here:  ( .