Optical Engineer (Mid to Senior Level) – Huntsville, Alabama
If you are searching for advanced engineering opportunities in the oil, energy, or defense-related sectors in the United States, this Optical Engineer position offers a strong career path. This full-time, on-site role is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and is associated with Leidos.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Optical Engineer (Mid to Senior Level)
- Job ID: 71723315
- Company: Leidos
- Location: Huntsville, Alabama, USA
- Work Type: On-Site
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Travel Requirement: None
This position involves supporting advanced optical systems development, including projects related to directed energy technologies and high-performance engineering solutions.
Role Summary
The selected candidate will join a skilled technical team responsible for designing, testing, and analyzing complex optical systems. The role involves collaboration across departments to develop innovative solutions for government and defense-related applications.
Key Responsibilities
As an Optical Engineer, your primary duties may include:
- Working within cross-functional development teams
- Translating high-level customer requirements into detailed system specifications
- Developing requirements for optical components integrated into complex mechanical systems
- Conducting thermal and heat modeling related to optical systems
- Analyzing stress impacts on optical components
- Planning and performing demonstration tests at U.S. government facilities
- Integrating and aligning optical components within mechanical assemblies
- Performing tolerance analysis and optical performance evaluation
- Specifying and testing optical coatings
- Preparing technical presentations for management and clients
This role requires strong technical expertise and the ability to manage system-level engineering tasks.
Required Qualifications
To qualify for this role, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field (ABET-accredited preferred)
- Minimum 8 years of direct experience in optical component and system development
- Experience working with directed energy systems or similar advanced technologies
- Proven track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Experience developing and executing test plans for optical systems
- Willingness to reside in or relocate to the North Alabama (Huntsville) area
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following qualifications may have an advantage:
- Master’s degree in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or Physics
- Experience selecting and integrating optoelectronic devices such as lasers, photodiodes, beam profilers, and spectrometers
- Optical system design experience
- Familiarity with tools such as Zemax or Code V
- Experience with MATLAB or Python
- 3D CAD modeling experience (SolidWorks or similar)
- Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
Security Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Hold (or be eligible to obtain and maintain) a Final Security Clearance
Security clearance is mandatory due to the nature of the projects.
Salary Information
The estimated salary range for this position is:
$101,400 – $183,300 per year
Actual compensation depends on:
- Experience level
- Technical skills
- Educational background
- Internal salary structure
- Market alignment
The listed salary range serves as a guideline and is not a guaranteed offer.
Career Opportunities in Oil, Energy & Defense Engineering
Engineering roles like this one in Huntsville, Alabama, offer long-term career growth in high-tech sectors connected to energy systems, advanced optics, and defense technologies. Professionals in this field gain exposure to cutting-edge research, government projects, and complex system design.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Prepare an updated resume highlighting optical system experience
- Include relevant project experience and technical skills
- Submit the application through the company’s official career portal
- Complete required security and background verification steps
Ensure your resume clearly outlines your technical expertise and project contributions.
Job Summary
Position: Optical Engineer (Mid to Senior)
Location: Huntsville, Alabama, USA
Industry: Engineering / Defense / Advanced Energy Systems
Employment Type: Full-Time
Security Clearance: Required
