Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering
Job Code: 41502
Job Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts
Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off)

Job Description:
We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to join our team, providing critical optical assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) support to our aerospace programs. This role involves performing component and system AI&T using interferometry and precision adjustment to meet allocated alignment tolerances and error budget allocations. You will be part of a team consisting of manufacturing, operations, and quality personnel and will work with various technicians in support of the build process.
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:
• Create assembly and test workflows and author optical test plans, layouts, and testing procedures, working as part of a multidisciplinary AI&T team.
• Configure and align optical test support equipment (collimators, off-axis parabolas, flats, interferometers) as part of the optical test setup.
• Lead and conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems within a lab environment.
• Interpret interferometry measurement data (Zernike terms) to aid in adjustment of components and systems.
• Collaborate with optical design and modeling efforts as needed, with a focus on hands-on application and testing.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
• Perform detailed inspection of optical components to maintain system integrity.
• Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and provide status of work tasks.

Qualifications:
• Experience and knowledge of precision alignment techniques at the optical component and optical system level using interferometry (PhaseCam, Zygo, LUPI), theodolites or alignment telescopes, and broadband illumination sources.
• Strong knowledge and experience in concepts of alignment sensitivity, wavefront error, Zernike polynomials, MTF, Ensquared energy, and knife-edge testing.
• Participation and leadership in optical AI&T projects.
• Knowledge of telescope systems and lens cell assemblies.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to effectively manage competing tasks with demanding schedules.
• Team player that is willing to 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 and maintain an active Secret Security clearance.
• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:
• Experience with Zemax or CodeV software tools for optical design and analysis
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
• Background in optical fabrication or testing metrology.
• Knowledgeable in advanced interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products.
• Possesses an active Security clearance.

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 $130,000.00 - $250,50.00 . 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.