Title:  Lead, Optical Engineering (Space Systems)

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineer  (Space Optical Systems)

Job Code: 36744

Job Location: Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

We are looking for a Lead, Optical Engineer who is technically rigorous, and a hands-on leader that thrives in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in optical system architecture and performance analysis, along with the ability to allocate priorities across multiple programs. You are comfortable operating as both a technical authority and collaborative team member, mentoring engineers, engaging customers, contributing to new business pursuits, and ensuring that complex optical systems meet demanding mission requirements.

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.

This position will be responsible for assessing functional requirements and driving initial trade studies to achieve a solution. The Lead, Optical Engineer will perform rigorous analysis of the optical system including assessment of imaging, illumination, throughput, and radiometric performance as well as review and mitigation of stray light artifacts. The role often requires supporting multiple program efforts in parallel with short deadlines and necessitating direct engagement with internal and external stakeholders as part of a multidisciplinary team. This is an on-site position in small, growing team. Participation in mentorship is expected and is key to knowledge transfer and skill dissemination within the group.

Essential Functions: 

• Serve as the primary design author for complex optical imaging systems maintaining ownership from initial concept through final validation.
• Participate in systems trade studies and evaluate and select optical materials, components, and vendors.
• Lead detailed image quality analyses, including wavefront error, modulation transfer function (MTF), ensquared energy, distortion, color correction, and resolution.
• Perform tolerancing and sensitivity analysis in support of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) and thermal predictions.
• Conduct comprehensive stray light and ghost analysis, proposing and implementing corrective actions to suppress stray light artifacts.
• Develop and document detailed optical design specifications, tolerances, and test methods for imaging performance and stray light control.
• Participate in program design review cycles in consultation with system and mechanical design personnel to develop error budgets and optical test layouts.
• Document analysis results in support of the design process and technical record.
• Support lower-level optical component specification generation and tolerancing and review with program colleagues.
• Interface with customers as needed and senior management and perform the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) as required.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively. Provide regular updates to program leadership to communicate progress, issues, and execution status.
• Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
• Mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical design, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in optics or related field and a minimum of 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.
• Experience in space-based telescope systems or complex commercial imaging systems.
• 5+ years professional experience in sequential optical design and analysis software (CODEV / ZEMAX) and in non-sequential analysis software (FRED).
• Professional experience supporting hands-on optical alignment, testing, and inspection

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active security clearance is preferred.
• Development of macros and tools to support custom design tasks.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
• Experience with athermalization of optical systems.
• Experience with STOP analysis.
• Background in optical fabrication or testing metrology.
• Knowledgeable in interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products.

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 $135,000.00 - $250,500.00. 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.