Optical Systems Engineer

Arete is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to design and build laser and optical systems. This full-time, exempt, non-supervisory role focuses on performance modeling and simulation, measurement planning and execution, and performance validation through analysis.

Location and Employment Details

• Location: Boulder, CO (onsite)
• Work setting: Full-time; exempt; non-supervisory
• Role basis: Based in Niwot, CO
• Salary: USD 95,000 - 165,000 per year

Core 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 tests to support alignment, construction, and performance verification
• Inspect optical component 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, including submission of technical proposals
• 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 technical and business constraints for development projects
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Quickly understands overall project objectives and selects best suited solutions
• Skilled and innovative problem solver
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic and detail oriented approach
• Inquisitive, with the ability to provide critical review of technical work by peers
• Responsive to technical questions and review from peers and technical management
• Comfortable adapting to a wide variety of roles supporting different laser, lidar, and optical system development projects
• Proficient use of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Proficient operation of standard electrical and optical test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, etc.)
• Proficient in Matlab, Mathematica, Python, or other scientific computing language
• Basic understanding of optical detectors and radiometry
• Capable of developing models and simulations of laser dynamics to support optical designs
• Capable of developing code to process collected sensor data
• Ability to independently research literature to fill knowledge gaps as needed

Relevant Technologies

• MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Matlab, Mathematica, Python
• Oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors

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

Additional Eligibility and Compliance Information

• 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.
• Areté will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
• Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.
• Qualified individuals with a disability or disabled veterans may request an accommodation if unable or limited in accessing the website; contact Areté 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)