Optical Engineer

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.What You'll Do:You will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.You will also play a hands-on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies—such as diffractive and meta-optics—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.Basic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearanceExperience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.Familiarity with optical performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric considerationsExperience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterizationStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detailEffective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environmentPreferred QualificationsActive Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)Experience with infrared optical systems or sensorsHands-on experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical metrologyExperience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE VExperience with modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalentExperience with electronic design automation tools and file formats (e.g., GDSII)Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonicsWhy Leidos?At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.Original Posting:August 19, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.SummaryLocation: San Diego, CAType: Full time