Senior Optical Engineer

Overview Senior Optical Engineer – Emerging Space Systems division, San Diego, CA. Design, test, and support optical sensor systems for Department of Defense missions such as Missile Warning/Tracking, Space Domain Awareness, and Space Control. Primary Responsibilities Lead test setup design, alignment, and testing of complex optical systems in a laboratory environment, focusing on free‑space and fiber‑coupled architectures. Directly manage and operate Class 3b and 4 laser systems spanning visible and infrared wavelengths, ensuring compliance with laser safety standards. Perform detailed radiometric analysis to characterize optical power, irradiance, and radiance across system apertures. Set up, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and electronics to drive and monitor optical components, including laser controllers, thermoelectric coolers, and detector bias circuits. Develop and maintain test automation scripts to control laboratory hardware and streamline data collection. Integrate and characterize highly sensitive detector technologies, including Avalanche Photodiodes (APD), Geiger‑mode APDs (GmAPD), and single‑photon counting detectors (SPCDs), as well as IR and visible focal planes. Interface directly with customers to provide technical updates, present design reviews, and translate mission requirements into hardware specifications. Author comprehensive technical reports, test plans, and data analysis summaries for internal stakeholders and external customers. Maintain hardware integrity by working within controlled environments, ensuring all optical assembly and testing meet strict cleanliness standards. Qualifications Bachelor of Science with 12+ years of relevant experience or Master of Science with 10+ years of relevant experience; Doctorate in a relevant technical domain is a plus. Active SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. Proven expertise in setting up and operating precision optical and electronic instrumentation, including: Optical metrology – hands‑on use of interferometers (Zygo, 4D), wavefront sensors, and autocollimators. Signal analysis – proficiency with high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and bit‑error‑rate testers. Power & control – experience with precision source‑measure units (SMU), multi‑channel data‑acquisition (DAQ) systems, and low‑noise current/voltage sources. Expert in laser safety and compliance protocols (ANSI Z136.1), including defining nominal hazard zones and implementing controls for Class 3b and 4 lasers. Proven experience working in ISO‑rated cleanroom environments (ISO 5, 6, or 7). Proficiency in operating laboratory electronics and scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW) to automate test sequences. Ability to perform radiometry, including calculation and measurement of optical power budgets and signal‑to‑noise ratios. Proficiency in aligning complex optical systems, including precision alignment of lenses, mirrors, and fiber‑to‑free‑space coupling. Hands‑on experience with highly sensitive detectors (APD, GmAPD, or LmAPD). Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with telescope design and architectures (e.g., Three‑Mirror Anastigmat, Cassegrain, or Off‑Axis Parabolas). Experience supporting technical proposals, including drafting technical volumes and developing basis of estimates. Advanced proficiency in Python for hardware control and instrument interfacing (SCPI, VISA). Experience with space‑qualified optical hardware or SDA OCT specification compliance. Familiarity with opto‑mechanical packaging for high‑vibration or thermal‑stress environments. EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Leidos