Optical Systems Engineer

Optical Systems EngineerÂ

HIGHLIGHTS
Location: Tucson, Arizona (Onsite)Â
Position Type: Â Direct Hire
Hourly / Salary:Â BOE
Residency Status: Â US Citizen or Green Card Holder ONLY

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Systems / Optical Engineer to lead the design, development, analysis, and deployment of advanced optical test systems. This role combines optical systems engineering, precision metrology, data acquisition, mechanical integration, and software development to deliver high-performance, cost-effective solutions.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in optical design, performance modeling, verification & validation (V&V), manufacturability analysis, and cross-functional technical leadership .

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Lead the end-to-end development of optical test systems , integrating optics, precision mechanics, data acquisition systems, and software.

• Develop initial system architecture and design concepts, identifying technical assumptions, trade studies, risk assessments, and cost/performance optimization strategies .

• Collaborate with Project Management to define Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), development plans, manufacturing workflows, quality control (QC), and commissioning strategies .

• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and cost-effective engineering solutions through performance analysis and production planning.

• Define and execute verification and validation plans , performance qualification, and documentation in alignment with quality standards.

• Support field deployment, integration, and commissioning of hardware systems.

Optical Engineering & Metrology

• Perform optical system design and analysis for imaging and precision metrology applications.

• Develop detailed optical models, simulations, and perturbation analyses , including comprehensive error budgeting and tolerance analysis .

• Utilize industry-standard tools such as Zemax (or equivalent optical design software) for ray tracing and performance modeling.

• Design CGH (Computer Generated Hologram) test setups for optical surfaces and assemblies using proprietary modeling platforms.

• Conduct hands-on optical alignment and system integration , including precision measurements using interferometers, CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), and laser trackers .

• Develop custom software tools for data analysis, simulation processing, uncertainty quantification, and post-processing of optical measurement data .

• Apply expertise in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), optical surface specifications, kinematic constraints, and precision mechanical integration .

• Generate detailed technical documentation, performance reports, and customer-facing deliverables for metrology systems.

Required Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering or closely related discipline

• 5+ years of experience in optical systems engineering, optical design, or precision metrology environments

• Demonstrated experience balancing performance, cost, risk, and schedule in complex engineering programs

• Proficiency in optical modeling and simulation software (Zemax or equivalent)

• Experience in optical test development, tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and verification planning

• Strong background in data analysis, uncertainty reduction, and quantitative performance validation

• Ability to develop or script software tools for modeling, simulation, and data processing

• Experience producing technical documentation and customer-ready engineering reports

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident (Green Card) required due to project requirements

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