Optics Engineer

At Aerosphere Power and Navigation, we're committed to attracting and nurturing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about their work. Our employees share a common purpose-supporting our customers' missions while pursuing their own professional growth. We foster an inclusive and engaging workplace culture where innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance thrive. Core to our values is a steadfast commitment to excellence, community engagement, and integrity in everything we do .

About Aerosphere Power and Navigation

Aerosphere Power and Navigation Corporation is a leading independent provider of advanced inertial navigation and power solutions for the aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. As pioneers in fiber optic gyros, and ring laser gyros, we drive innovation across a wide range of navigation applications and power‑conversion applications.

Optics Engineer

Location: Budd Lake, NJ Job Type: Full Time Department: Engineering

Job Description:

We are seeking an Optics Engineer to contribute to the design and development of advanced optics used in high-precision navigation products. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of optics, photonics, and precision instrumentation. The ideal candidate will design, develop, test, and optimize optical systems and components used in inertial navigation and photonics‑based products. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, to bring high‑performance optical technologies from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and model optical systems, including fiber‑optic components, interferometers, and precision optical assemblies.
• Develop optical layouts, tolerances, and performance simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
• Support the development of photonic subsystems for navigation sensors such as Fiber Optic Gyros (FOGs) and related technologies.
• Test and characterize specialized equipment for custom CCD camera systems used in high‑reliability applications.
• Perform testing of low‑noise focal‑plane detectors for scientific, space‑based applications.

• Maintain calibration of all radiometric devices traceable to NIST

• Build and evaluate optical prototypes, including alignment, calibration, and performance characterization.
• Conduct optical testing using interferometry, beam profiling, spectral analysis, and other metrology techniques.
• Analyze test data to validate designs and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to transition optical designs into scalable production processes.
• Develop alignment procedures, test protocols, and quality standards for optical assemblies.
• Troubleshoot optical issues in production and fielded systems.
• Work with systems engineers to ensure optical performance meets overall product requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and customer‑facing engineering activities when needed.
• Document designs, test results, and engineering changes in accordance with company and industry standards.
• Support documentation, test procedures, and design verification reports.

Qualifications:

• BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related technical field and at least 2-4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with high reliability products in a clean room environment.
• Proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools).
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, assembly, and testing.
• Strong understanding of lasers, fiber optics, interferometry, or photonic components.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and optical specifications.
• Understanding of existing test equipment and calibration procedures for optical test equipment.
• Understands engineering build and test documentation, cause-effect diagrams, decision matrices, flowcharts, testing and data analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with inertial navigation systems, fiber‑optic gyros, or photonic integrated systems.
• Familiarity with cleanroom practices, precision alignment tools, and optical metrology equipment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for optical components.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability industries.

• Familiarity with developing and/or running radiometric tests on detectors.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $125,000- $170,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Aerosphere Power & Navigation also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. Aerosphere Power & Navigation reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

*ITAR REQUIREMENTS :

Separate from employment eligibility (Form I-9), U.S. export license requirements may apply before the Company can provide certain non- "U.S. persons" with access to specific technology, software and hardware that may be necessary for a position. As such, this position may require ITAR or EAR clearance .

Aerosphere Power & Navigation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Aerosphere Power & Navigation 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. Aerosphere Power & Navigation performs background checks, where permitted by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.