Scientist, Optical Engineering (Space Optical Systems)

Overview L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do. L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Job Details Job Title: Scientist, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems) Job Code: 36742 Job Location: Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!) Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants Job Description We are looking for an Optical Engineering Scientist who is technically rigorous, and a hands-on leader that thrives in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in optical system architecture and performance analysis, along with the ability to allocate priorities across multiple programs. You are comfortable operating as both a technical authority and collaborative team member, mentoring engineers, engaging customers, contributing to new business pursuits, and ensuring that complex optical systems meet demanding mission requirements. Our programs include single and multiple aperture imaging systems, with both fixed and scanning platforms, operating across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most of these systems function in a space environment. Mission requirements and packaging have driven our solutions to utilize custom multiple-mirror reflective designs, some including free-form optics and refractive lens cell assemblies. Essential Functions Serve as the primary design author for complex optical imaging systems maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation. Interface with customers as needed and senior management and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required. Lead 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. Develop and document detailed optical design specifications, tolerances, and test methods for imaging performance and stray light control. Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts. Support lower-level optical component specification generation and tolerancing and review with program colleagues. Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively. Provide regular updates to program leadership to communicate progress, issues, and execution status. 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 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience. Expert 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, acting in a SME role. 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. Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security clearance. Preferred Additional Skills Active security clearance is preferred. 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. 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 $161,500.00 - $300,500.00. 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. L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law. Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions. L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish. #J-18808-Ljbffr