Back to search
Job Description
In this career enhancing opportunity, you will have a great deal of responsibility and opportunity gain experience over the full life cycle of a project. You will also develop leadership skills as your experience builds.
We are looking for an expert optical designer with long-term experience in the field of optical design. The candidate will possess a deep understanding of optical design and should be able to provide multiple examples of complex designs that have been implemented and deployed.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
- Work in a collaborative environment with other optical engineers to develop novel state-of-the art optical designs for space based and airborne optical systems.
- Advance BAE Systems SMS' technology and develop innovative optical systems for space-based and airborne applications designed for science, defense, intelligence, and commercial customers.
- Support Advanced Program development by contributing to proposals, RFIs, and writing white papers.
- Lead and engage with teams of engineers during optical sub-system development, integration, and alignment in a cross-disciplinary environment.
- Participate in and present at design reviews.
- Assist with the procurement and validation of state-of the art optical components.
- Work hands-on with optical hardware as well as perform analytical work and technology development.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS degree in Engineering or a related technical field, plus 8 or more years of related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- Experience in optical design, including UV through IR reflective and refractive designs.
- Knowledge of optical fabrication technology to support procurement of optics from 10mm to meter class.
- Solid knowledge and proven experience in optical engineering analysis and design.
- Excellent communication skills, as well as solid interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
- Experience with Matlab and optical design/analysis tools.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- A Master’s degree or PhD in Optical Engineering or a related technical field is preferred.
- 5+ years’ experience with spectrometer design, integration, and test.
- Space based missions with varying spectroscopy wavelengths of interest.
- Design, integration, and test on exquisite imaging and data collection payloads.
- 3+ years’ experience leading multi-disciplined teams towards technical performance requirements.
- 5+ years being a key team member of a multi-disciplined team meeting technical performance requirements.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
