Optical engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Job Description

The mission matters. So do the people behind it. With advancing defense technology at our core, what sets us apart is a culture of collaboration, purpose, and impact.

What is the mission?

Ignite matures and transitions capabilities focused on our Space Enterprise internal and external customer needs. This position will contribute to electro-optics (EO), laser radar, and directed energy (DE) program work under the LM Space Ignite, Advanced Capabilities Electro-optics & Security (ACES) directorate. The ACES team conducts applied research and rapid prototyping of systems & subsystems in relevant or operational environments, develops first-of-kind optical systems, and supports national defense with electro-optics and other technologies. This role will support the creation of discriminating and disruptive technologies, and performance of first-of-kind demonstrations in support of critical national needs in areas including electro-optics, laser radar, directed energy and power beaming. The position will support activities with multiple LM and government entities and requires a TS clearance.

We are looking for an experienced technical contributor in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems, laser radar, high energy laser beam control, systems architecture and systems engineering to join us in our mission to equip the warfighter with multiple, capable, and affordable EO/IR and DE systems. You will serve as a key member of the technical staff contributing to a range of contracted programs and internally-funded innovation and growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, cross-disciplinary, and innovative electro-optical systems designer and developer who can integrate optical, mechanical, electronic, and software elements into an effective, affordable, and delivered-on-time solutions.

What does this role look like?

Job responsibilities include:
• Hands-on experience in the development of electro-optical systems, laser radar, or high energy laser beam control systems.
• Experience developing engineering documents, e.g., specifications, vendor RFQs, proposal technical volumes, drawings, briefings, assembly work instructions, contract deliverables, and test plans / procedures.
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Ability and willingness to travel to support on-site integration and field test of EO systems.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field relevant to EO/IR technology.
• Experience leading the development of technical proposals.
• Dedication to training and mentoring more junior engineers in your areas of expertise.
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain & maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Desired skills

• M.S. in an ACES relevant science or engineering field (e.g., physics, optics, aerospace)
• 20 years of technical experience with demonstrated expertise in maturing innovative optical technologies for national security applications
• Experience in operational/mission analysis and simulation of EO/IR systems
• Experience with detection and tracking techniques for passive and active optical systems
• Experience with adaptive optics and beam control
• Experience conducting mission trades and developing architectures and link budgets
• Demonstrated experience leading the development of airborne or space-qualified hardware and/or payloads
• At least 10 years’ experience as a lead systems engineer or chief engineer
• Extensive proof of experience in R&D business development, cultivating funding sources for innovative optical and defense technologies, and growing the business
• Possess Top Secret, SCI and Special Access clearances
• Diversity of customer experience and exposure across relevant government (Title 10 and Title 50) groups
• Extensive professional network.