Optical Design Engineer

Are you passionate about designing advanced optical systems for space-based instruments?

Do you enjoy solving complex challenges in optical design, stray-light analysis, and instrument testing?

Would you like to see your work fly on missions that advance scientific discovery and strengthen U.S. space capabilities?

If so, you may be a fit for our team at APL!

The Space Science Instrumentation group at APL builds instruments for spacecraft to produce data for scientific research and to enhance the space assets of the United States. We're a group of about 60 engineers with expertise that span across all aspects of space instrument production. You will join our team of multi-disciplinary staff including systems, optical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers in conjunction with our companion-group that provides the electronics, FPGA, and software expertise. Together we design, build, test, and deliver science instruments to spacecraft missions throughout the NASA portfolio and in support of national security space and intelligence community needs. Recent missions include instruments for Parker Solar Probe, DART, Dragonfly, and more.

Your primary role will be to design and analyze refractive and reflective objectives for space based remote sensing and imaging systems. Expertise is required in the fields of optical design, stray-light analysis, and integration and test activities in support of scientific instrument development throughout the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrums.

As an Optical Engineer you will...

• Support instrument concept development, proposals, fundamental design, prototyping, detailed design, build, and test activities, culminating with delivery of an instrument to a spacecraft and ongoing technical and operational support.
• Push the envelope for space science instrumentation, detection capabilities, and scientific discovery.
• Perform the necessary modeling, analysis, and test activities to finalize the design and prove that each instrument meets science, operational, and interface requirements prior to delivery.
• Perform optical design - requirements capture, concept design, layout, ray tracing, simulation, radiometry, tolerance analysis, opto-mechanical interface, proposal efforts, generation of component drawings, and presentation.
• Perform stray light analysis - modeling, simulation, mitigation design, and presentation.
• Provide general laboratory and I&T support, including optical alignment, testing, and calibration.
• Provide program support at status meetings and reviews - formal & informal presentations and documentation.
• Work closely with scientists to determine the fundamental requirements and designs necessary for the optical systems to achieve program goals.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, or related discipline.
• Have 3-5 years of experience with regard to space system applications, thermal
  vacuum testing and/or optical engineering.
• Experience with ray-tracing software such as Synopsys CODE V and/or Photon Engineering FRED.
• Ability to create system performance budgets and perform radiometric analyses.
• Knowledge of current detector technology for use in the UV to long wave infrared (LWIR).
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Master of Science or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, or related discipline.
• Experience characterizing and calibrating remote sensing systems in support of the production of scientific data products.
• Experience performing structural, thermal, and optical (STOP) analysis.
• Experience using computer aided design and finite element analysis software (eg. Creo Parametric and Ansys).
• Have laboratory experience assembling and testing optical systems.
• Currently hold an active Top Secret SCI level security clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.