Staff Optics Engineer

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. Our people enjoy solving interesting technical challenges in a culture where everyone trusts each other to do the right thing. For you, working with us can mean deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a great quality of life inside and outside of work.

Job Title: Staff Optics Engineer Reporting To: Principal Engineer / Elec. Eng. Mgr & Innov. Team Lead Work Schedule: Onsite – Blacksburg, VA Staff Optics Engineer Moog Space & Defense Group is the operating group with the longest heritage at Moog. Our expansive defense portfolio is aligned with U.S. military priorities and our mission of equipping those who defend freedom. As a Staff Optics Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, testing, and support of advanced fiber-optic, laser, and electro-optic technologies used in mission-critical aerospace and defense applications. You will leverage deep expertise in optical systems and fiber-optic technologies to develop innovative solutions while supporting both new product development and existing products throughout their lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in optical system design, development, and testing.
• Significant experience using Zemax for optical design, simulation, and optimization.
• Experience developing and integrating fiber-optic technologies and devices.
• Strong understanding of laser systems, optical alignment techniques, and imaging-based systems.
• Experience creating technical documentation, test procedures, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of applicable standards related to lasers, fiber-optics, and optical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex optical and electro-optical systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance and access U.S. export-controlled information.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with fiber-optic rotary joints, optical switches, multi-fiber harnesses, and high-power optical devices.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and production environments.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes for silicon micromachined devices and/or MEMS-based technologies.
• Laser Safety Officer experience or certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced fiber-optic technologies, including fiber-optic rotary joints, optical switches, high-power optical devices, and multi-fiber harnesses.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for optical systems, techniques, and devices supporting the Power and Data Division.
• Design, build, test, and troubleshoot optical, laser, and imaging-based systems.
• Develop innovative methods and techniques for precision optical alignment and integration.
• Use Zemax software to design, simulate, analyze, and optimize optical systems.
• Create and maintain processes, test protocols, work instructions, and documentation for fiber-optic connector terminations and harness assemblies.
• Establish and formalize work processes that comply with applicable standards and best practices related to lasers, fiber optics, and silicon processing.
• Determine laser safety classifications for laser devices and support the site Laser Safety Officer as the on-site Laser Safety Specialist.
• Evaluate, specify, and procure equipment required for fiber-optic device fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Support production, qualification, and fielded electro-optic and fiber-optic products by investigating and resolving technical issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams throughout product development and production.
• Contribute to the development and transition of new optical technologies into manufacturing.

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Great compensation package, bonus opportunities, matching 401(k), and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan (select locations), Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• Professional Skills Development: Tuition assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs.
• Culture: Warm, respectful, family-like environment driven by our 12 core values. Multiple Employee Resource Groups led by our employees, open and welcoming to all. Flexible Friday Afternoon’s.

#LI-Onsite #MM1 Salary Range Transparency: Blacksburg, VA $120,000.00–$180,000.00 Annually

Salary Range Disclaimer The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits.

This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

Moog offers an inclusive workplace, and, as such, affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.