Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Are you looking for an exciting, innovative company with over 100 years of excellence and commitment to ethical business? Amentum is a trusted partner to United States government agencies, allied governments, and corporations worldwide supporting critical programs across a broad range of domains. We are currently looking for a Mid-Level Optical Engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of advanced electro‑optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across maritime, airborne, and expeditionary platforms. This position offers hands‑on experience working with cutting‑edge imaging technologies, sensor payloads and embedded electronics in dynamic, mission‑driven environments, while contributing to the development and sustainment of complex sensing systems used in challenging operational conditions. Job Duties and Responsibilities Design, develop, and optimize advanced sensor and imaging systems, including EO/IR and FPA based technologies, from concept through validation. Own subsystem performance, including modelling, analysis and verification against system requirements. Lead integration and debugging of complex, multi‑domain systems including sensors, FPGA, RF, optics, etc., identifying root causes and driving resolution. Lead and contribute to design reviews. Develop and execute test plans, analyze data, and iterate designs based on performance gaps. Perform trade studies across sensor architectures, components and processing approaches to identify risk and opportunity in performance, cost and schedule. Drive hardware design, bring‑up, lab characterization and field testing, including instrumentation and data collection strategy. Interface directly with cross‑functional teams to resolve design, integration and performance issues. Generate high‑quality technical outputs including design documentation, test reports, performance assessments, etc. that are suitable for program‑level reviews. Own component selection and design decisions across sensing, electronics, and optical subsystems. Apply working knowledge of FPA performance, signal processing, RF and communication interfaces where applicable. Support integration, testing, and performance evaluation of sensor systems on deployed platforms, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with focus on payload performance and constraints. Contribute to development and assessment of sensor capabilities for UAS and C‑UAS applications, including detection, tracking and identification performance. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3‑6 years of experience or Master’s Degree with 0‑3 years of experience. Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance (interim clearance is required to start). Please note, US Citizenship is required to obtain a secret clearance. Experience with sensor systems and FPA technologies, including calibration and performance characterization and optimization. Proven ability to independently execute engineering work from requirements through test and validation. Ability to translate complex technical work into clear, concise communication for both technical and non‑technical audiences, supporting program reporting and decision making. Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage competing tasks and deliver results in alignment with project schedules and budget expectations. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Engineering (Preference in Electrical, Optical, Physics or similar) with 3‑6 years of experience. Active Secret Clearance Programming skills for data analysis, automation or algorithm development utilizing C++, Python and/or MATLAB. Compensation Details $80,000 - $120,000 annually. The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements and relevant laws. Benefits Overview Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include: Health, dental and vision insurance Paid time off and holidays Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching) Educational reimbursement Parental leave Employee stock purchase plan Tax‑saving options Disability and life insurance Pet insurance Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara‑O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation or any other protected category under federal, state or local law. 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