Staff Optic Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Staff Optic Engineer
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Full Time
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.
To be considered for Staff Optics Engineer, you will need:
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.

As a Staff Optics Engineer, you will:

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.