Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy

Job Description

HII, Mission Technologies has an opportunity available for a Lead Electro-Optical Engineer located in Knoxville, TN.

The Lead Electro-Optical Engineer will lead and direct the design, development, and integration of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO-IR) systems that support high-energy laser and high-power microwave directed energy platforms. This role ensures that optical designs—including beam control systems, optical assemblies, stray light mitigation, precision alignment, and laser propagation systems—translate into safe, functional, and production-ready hardware that meets stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate will excel at optical systems design and analysis, demonstrate leadership in collaborative multidisciplinary environments, and thrive when developing solutions with incomplete or evolving requirements typical of advanced defense programs.

Levei 4 - Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy - $120,000 - $185,000

Level 5 - Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy - $140,000 - $220,000

Essential Job Responsibilities

Design & Engineering Leadership

• Lead optical systems design for beam control, laser delivery, optical assemblies, precision optical mounts, and EO-IR sensor integration critical to directed energy platforms.
• Direct design efforts for high-power laser systems, beam steering mechanisms, stray light control, and thermal management of optical components.
• Contribute to and influence overall product design for directed energy weapon systems.
• Translate requirements into detailed optical designs using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software.
• Perform and oversee optical analysis including ray tracing, stray light modeling, wavefront error analysis, thermal effects, and laser propagation.
• Support and oversee fabrication, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems and prototypes.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical and professional growth.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Systems Integration

• Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, systems engineering) to develop innovative solutions and influence product architecture.
• Negotiate design characteristics among engineers, suppliers, customers, and program management.
• Interface with manufacturing to optimize optical designs for fabrication and assembly.
• Support fabrication, testing, and validation efforts to ensure systems meet performance requirements.

Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Identify, articulate, and manage risks across optical, thermal, and alignment systems.
• Solve complex engineering problems in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.
• Lead design reviews and DFMEA, serving as technical escalation point.
• Investigate anomalies and perform Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) for optical system performance issues.

Technical Documentation & Configuration Leadership

• Create and approve engineering drawings with GD&T, design documentation, and technical specifications for optical assemblies.
• Lead configuration management and version control for optical designs.
• Review and approve documentation from junior team members.
• Develop test procedures to properly test and verify optical system requirements.

Stakeholder Communication & Program Leadership

• Communicate effectively with government customers, leadership, and technical experts.
• Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in design quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.
• Prepare requirements packages for Technical Review Board meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Level 4 - 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
• Level 5 - 15 years relevant experience with Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 13 years relevant experience with Master's degree in related field; OR 10 years relevant experience with PhD in related field.
• High-level proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent) for complex optical systems.
• Extensive experience with high-power laser systems design, integration, and alignment.
• Experience with stray light analysis and mitigation techniques.
• Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed optical designs.
• Ability to perform fundamental optical analysis working from first principles.
• Demonstrated technical leadership driving results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Experience with requirements management and traceability (DOORS or equivalent).
• Experience with fabrication, manufacturing methods, and hands-on optical prototyping.
• Proven leadership mentoring and developing engineers across all levels.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced optical analysis experience including wavefront error budget analysis, thermal distortion modeling, and laser beam propagation.
• Experience with EO-IR sensors, thermal imaging systems, and night vision systems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB for optical modeling and data analysis.
• Experience with Fourier transform spectroscopy and optical characterization techniques.
• Deep thermal management expertise for high-power optical applications.
• Experience with LIDAR or laser ranging systems.
• Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
• Clearance: Active SECRET level security clearance.