Optical Engineer II

Job Summary

The Optical Engineer at Daylight will develop novel laser components and systems and transition them into products. The incumbent may act as a technical lead, while at the same time contributing to the analysis, modeling, design, prototyping and testing of laser components and systems. As individual contributor, this person will be responsible for requirement flow-down, optical design, interface with critical component suppliers, planning and execution of integration and test. Additionally, this person will be solving complex problems requiring deep understanding of material science and laser technology and excellent problem-solving skills across the company and contribute to IP, publications and business development.

Job Responsibilities

• Optical design and tolerance analysis using Zemax
• Design, build and align optical bench setups for prototype and production design verification testing.  Develop alignment procedures.
• Individually responsible for major portions of complex development projects 
• Serve as the laser and optical lead for the laser systems and EO sub-systems ranging from early concepts to product prototypes to initial production units with emphasis on optical and opto-mechanical aspects
• Responsible for evaluation of failure modes, conducting root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions for the company products with emphasis on optical and opto-mechanical aspects
• Interact effectively and efficiently as part of a multi-member, multi-function team, as well as with customers and suppliers, write reports and contribute peer reviewed publications and invention disclosures
• Communicate clearly (written and oral) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
• Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge of semiconductor laser technology, laser and optical design and modeling, optical components and materials from UV to IR, optical metrology and measurement equipment preferred. 
• Proficiency of Zemax OpticStudio.  Working knowledge of both sequential and non-sequential simulations and scripting for design automation.  
• Laser optical system design experience preferred
• Experience with optical fibers / fiber lasers
• Experience with laser metrology and designing beam characterization instrumentation
• Experience and safety knowledge associated with high power laser systems
• Understanding of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical designs and components, and their interactions in a system to meet performance requirements
• Proficiency in Programming skills: Matlab, Labview, Python or C++
• Hands-on experience in the development, prototyping, testing or transfer to production of complex EO/Mechanical systems
• Appreciation and practice for engineering process rigor appropriately applied based on product/process maturity
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience and a minimum of 2 years of experience, preferably in laser/optics.

The pay scale for this position is $92,789/year - $132,689/year. The pay scale information is a general guideline only. When extending an offer of employment, DRS Daylight Solutions considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position; any Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, the candidate’s relevant work experience, education/training, certifications, and key skills; internal equity; and market and business considerations.