Optical Design Engineer

Coherent Aerospace & Defense is a leading provider of cutting-edge optical technologies dedicated to enhancing various industries including aerospace, defense, and scientific research.

Our commitment to innovation and quality has positioned us as a global leader in the field of optical systems design.

We are seeking a talented and experienced Optical Design Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development of our advanced optical solutions.

The Optical Design Engineer's function is to plan, design, analyze, communicate, and execute the optical design for high-performance optical assemblies, and to determine the following:

• Compliant preliminary and final optical designs
• Optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis in coordination with mechanical and integration & test engineering
• Document optical prescription and optical layout
• Support fabrication, assembly, integration, and test for 100% On-Time Delivery on program
• Investigate, identify, and resolve engineering problems involved in the manufacturing of Coherent Aerospace and Defense (Coherent A&D) products and provide a smooth transition into routine production

Contributes to the formulation of department goals and organizational objectives.

Demonstrates the ability to understand both technical and business excellence.

Sets an exemplary example through the promotion of commitment, energy, personal productivity, and mentoring; generates and drives individual and team enthusiasm, motivation, commitment, productivity, sense of urgency, and sense of task/project ownership.

Develops a cohesive work group; fosters commitment and enthusiasm; promotes cooperation and coordination between peer departments by working across the organization to effectively complete programs and projects on time.

Represents the area of professional and/or technical expertise internally and externally. May supervise the activities of others. Regularly and effectively shares and transfers knowledge and expertise.

Expresses ideas accurately and succinctly in oral and written form; effectively listens and assimilates; presents organized information in a timely fashion.

Reviews other team members' work; writes and reviews engineering reports; participates in proposal writing; ability to facilitate complex group discussions; can organize and direct effective meetings as required.

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in optical, mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering, optical-physics, or a related discipline.

An understanding of optical and mechanical manufacturing and test processes and the ability to apply engineering theories and concepts are essential.

Minimum of 15 years of related experience in a professional role with Bachelor's degree; or equivalent experience.

12+ years with Master's or higher degree

Very experienced professional with a full understanding in multiple areas of specialization (see list below). Understands the customers' business and has an intimate understanding of the customer's needs; can accurately anticipate customer needs.

Implements new products, processes, standards, or operational plans that will have an impact on the achievement of functional results.

This job is a significantly advanced level career position that also requires a successful technical committee review as a criteria for entry.

Critical Skills/Knowledge

• Lead conceptual development, detailed analysis, conceptual and detailed computer-aided (e.g. Zemax) design of optical imaging systems.
• Mastery-level understanding of physical optics, optical aberration theory, and optical system performance criteria.
• Provide leadership on formalized optical engineering content for design and technical reviews throughout the program life cycle (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, PSR, etc.).
• Experience with problem analysis and resolution. Extensive knowledge and expertise with extremely complex assignments that very few employees can master.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
• Ability to recommend and implement improvements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with networked PC-based computer systems (MS Office, spreadsheets, access, graphics, Email, MRP systems, and accounting software).
• Make sound financial decisions on administrative or operational matters. Ensure engineering effective achievement of objectives.

Experience, knowledge, and/or specialization that will enhance effectiveness in this position includes:

• Expert understanding of optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual, and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal sensors, illuminations, and projection systems using coherent and incoherent sources.
• Expert technical knowledge of a wide application of principles, theories, and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
• Define Coherent A&D process for optical sensitivity and Monte Carlo tolerance analyses.
• Mastery-level understanding of Opto-Mechanical assemblies (Refractive vs Reflective, Visible vs MWIR, etc.).
• Expert resource for information about properties and application of optical materials: crystalline, glass, and polymer materials for refractive systems in the IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV portions of the spectrum.
• Expert resource for information about the applications and limitations with Anti-Reflective (AR), High-Reflective (HR), and filter optical coatings.
• Advanced understanding and hands-on proficiency regarding optical component or system test and metrology instruments, techniques, and performance testing, e.g. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Transmitted Wavefront Error, Surface Figure, focal length, encircled or ensquared energy, transmission, relative illumination, veiling glare, etc.
• Lead implementation of optical alignment techniques and optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, theodolites, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.).
• Lead and mentor other engineers on trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment and tests for optical instruments.
• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging.
• Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings.
• Expert understanding of optical component or system inspection per typical standards, e.g. MIL-PRF-13830B or ISO 10110, including cosmetic or functional Scratch-Dig, particle or residue contamination, reflectance, transmittance, index of refraction, surface roughness, BRDF, etc.
• Advanced understanding of materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, one- and two-part adhesives, and elastomers.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical metrology instruments and techniques and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Knowledge of optical and mechanical materials and fabrication processes.
• Understanding of thermal, mechanical, vibration, and shock effects on optical systems.
• Mentoring other engineers and technicians in optical design, error budgets, error analysis, optical fabrication techniques, alignment methods, and optical metrology tools.
• Ability to lead proposal activities and provides analysis, advising, and reporting on the feasibility of new projects.
• Develop technical scope, and engineering due dates, based on proposed budgets.
• Adhere to program financial expectations with the ability to guide engineering during program planning.