Optical Systems Engineer

Arete is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to help design and build laser and optical systems in support of laser and sensor development programs, including DoD-funded research and development. This onsite role in Niwot, CO combines hands-on build and test work with modeling, simulation, and technical reporting, with opportunities to support field demonstrations and prototype electro-optical systems. The package includes comprehensive insurance and time-off benefits, retirement and employee ownership contributions, and support for continuing education.

What you will do

• Drive technical research for laser and sensor development programs
• Prepare calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance
• Analyze experimental data to assess laser system performance and validate results through analysis
• Develop laser and optical system specifications, including component specifications and tolerances
• Assemble, align, and test lasers and optical system systems, coordinating with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design
• Design optical fixturing and execute tests to support alignment, construction, and performance verification
• Inspect optical components and systems, and document designs, procedures, and performance
• Prepare and present technical briefings, participate in design reviews, and maintain system documentation
• 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 and submit technical proposals for R&D programs
• Perform additional duties as assigned

What you bring

• Proficient theoretical understanding of laser physics, optics, and design approaches
• Demonstrated capability in hardware build and test
• Experience in executing DoD funded research and development programs
• Ability to balance technical and business constraints in development projects
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Entrepreneurial mindset, quick understanding of overall project objectives, and selecting best suited solutions
• Skilled and innovative problem solver who works well independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic, detail oriented, and inquisitive with critical review of technical work by peers
• Responsive to technical questions and review from peers and technical management
• Comfort adapting to a wide variety of roles supporting different laser, lidar, and optical system development projects
• Proficient use of MS Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Proficient operation of standard electrical and optical test equipment (e.g., 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
• 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 knowledge gaps as needed

Tools and technologies

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

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 qualifications

• 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

Eligibility and screening

• 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.
• 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 Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200.

Salary: USD 95,000 - 165,000 per yearly.