Optical Systems Engineer

The Optical Systems Engineer will support the design, build, and verification of laser and electro-optical systems. This role includes performance modeling, experimental planning, data analysis, and documentation, with onsite work in Denver, CO (based in Niwot, CO).

Key Responsibilities

• Drive technical research for laser and sensor development programs
• Manage proposals for pursuits of new science and technology business
• Prepare calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance
• Analyze collected experimental data to assess laser system performance
• Develop laser and optical system specifications
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design
• Assemble, align, and test lasers and optical system systems
• Document designs, procedures, and performance
• Design optical fixturing and conduct tests to support alignment, construction, and performance verification
• Inspect optical components and systems
• Prepare and present technical briefings
• Participate in design reviews and maintain documentation of resulting system design
• Prepare electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments
• Plan and execute field tests and demonstrations of prototype hardware electro-optical systems and components
• Support proposal preparation for new technical work
• Serve as principal investigator for DoD research and development projects
• Submit technical proposals for research and development programs
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Proficient theoretical understanding of laser physics, optics, and design approaches
• Demonstrated capability in hardware build and test
• Experience in the execution of DoD funded research and development programs
• Appreciation of both technical and business constraints for development projects
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to quickly understand overall project objectives and select best suited solutions
• Skilled and innovative problem solver
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic and detail orientation
• Inquisitive approach with critical review of technical work by peers
• Responsiveness to technical questions and review from peers and technical management
• Comfort adapting to support a wide variety of roles across different laser, lidar, and optical system development projects
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Proficiency operating standard electrical and optical test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors)
• Proficiency with Matlab, Mathematica, Python, or other scientific computing language
• Basic understanding of optical detectors and radiometry
• Ability to develop models and simulations of laser dynamics to support optical designs
• Ability to develop code to process collected sensor data
• Ability to independently research available literature to fill in knowledge gaps as needed

Technologies

• MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Oscilloscopes, signal generators
• Laser sources, spectrometers, detectors
• Matlab, Mathematica, Python (or other scientific computing language)

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Remote sensing systems (visible, IR, lidar)
• Solid state laser development experience
• Experience with COMSOL, Zemax, Ansys, Solidworks, CREO, or other design software
• Familiarity with Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis workflows
• Active security clearance

Other Considerations

• U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.
• Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.
• Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
• Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.
• If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact Aret Human Resources at 818-885-2200.

Salary Range by Level

• Engineer 2: $95,000 - $120,000 (required BS +2/MS degree or higher)
• Staff Engineer: $115,000 - $140,000 (experience of BS+5 years, or MS+3 years)
• Senior Engineer: $135,000 - $165,000 (experience of BS+9 years, MS+7 years, or PhD+4 years)

Equal Opportunity

Aret is an Equal Opportunity employer.