SNC is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop the next generation of SNC infrared product lines for infrared sources and imaging systems. As an Optical Engineer at SNC, you will be responsible for collaboratively working with our scientific team to define system architectures, conduct trade analyses, build experimental setups, create design of experiments (DOEs), build optical models, and validate system performance for various EO/IR applications.
As part of a hardworking team of diverse, multi-disciplinary engineers and scientists, you will work on IRAD, CRAD, and direct programs to conduct multidisciplinary detailed design, analysis, integration, and testing of EO/IR prototypes and products. You will participate in the full life cycle of these systems from early concepts to product prototypes to qualified and deployed hardware. You will join a high-performance team driving innovative technologies and new customer acquisition, collaborating with industry experts, and leveraging cutting-edge tools to deliver exceptional solutions. This role requires fostering strong relationships with clients and contributing to the SNC’s continued success and growth.
The ideal candidate is an early-career professional that possesses experience in designing and implementing optical systems, exhibits both creative and analytical thinking, shows a strong eagerness to learn, demonstrates hunger in developing next-generation technologies for the DoD, and has a thorough knowledge of optical engineering and physics.The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. Learn more about IAS
Here’s what you can expect:
- Generous paid time off and flex time
- Friendly and talented colleagues
- Exclusive SNC company events
- Leadership and development training
- SNC Mentorship Program
- Education reimbursement
- Modern Campus setting built with collaboration spaces, spectacular mountain views and natural light throughout
- Free to use fitness center on-site
- State-of-the-art coffee house
- Full-service Cafeteria with planned breakfast and lunch options
- Access to walking and biking trails
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the design of next generation IRST architectures and hardware configurations with design studies and sensor performance trades
- Perform and guide testing/analyses of IRST hardware including laboratory, ground, and flight testing to validate top-level system specifications and requirements, and establish sensor performance specifications.
- Contribute to developing radiometric algorithms, mathematical-physical models, and prototype software for IRST mission sets. Infrared Sources
- Support the advancement of various coherent and incoherent infrared sources through research and development initiatives.
- Develop optical models, create design of experiments (DOEs), conduct experiments, and analyze results to validate models against experimental results.
- Perform the design, fabrication, test, characterization, and calibration of test apparatus’s for testing prototype IR illumination hardware.
- Perform tolerance analysis and manage performance budgets for optical components and subsystems, striking a balance between manufacturability and cost.
- Travel to supplier facilities for product development and production
Must-haves:
- Bachelors of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 2 or more years of relevant experience
- Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
- Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
- Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles
- 5+ years of related experience with cameras, image sensors, opto-electronic, and/or opto-mechanical assemblies
- Working knowledge of imaging systems and optical and image quality characterizations (focus/MTF, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment, etc.)
- Proficiency with laboratory skills for data collection and design of experiments
- Proficiency in Python/Matlab/etc. for data analysis and processing
- Proficiency with optical modeling tools (Zemax, Code V, LightTools, FRED, etc.).
- Experience in tolerancing sequential or non-sequential optical systems.
- Experience using both logical and creative thinking to solve problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- US citizenship is required, with an active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required
Preferred:
MS or PhD degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field
Industry or academic experience with coherent and/or incoherent light sources
Expertise with EO/IR performance models including, but not limited to object and atmospheric radiometry, optical system image quality, detector and electronics performance, image processing, and platform performance
Experience in one or more of the following: Stray light modeling and analysis, Illumination optics design and manufacturing, infrared optical design and development.
Experience with image processing techniques for EO/IR sensors
Experience with image data manipulation and computation and interpretation of standard image quality metrics
Experience with signature and/or scenario modeling/software packages (MODTRAN, SPIRITS, AFSIM)
Ll-hybrid
Estimated Starting Salary Range: $94,345.12 - $129,724.54. SNC considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150 match up to 6, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. SNC is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regarding to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. Contributions to SNC come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.
