Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next‑generation space missions.

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system‑level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high‑performance payloads. You will also play a hands‑on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies—such as diffractive and meta‑optics—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts. This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work, and the ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 4+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 2+ years of prior relevant experience.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.
• Familiarity with optical performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric considerations.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher‑level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Experience with infrared optical systems or sensors.
• Hands‑on experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical metrology.
• Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE V.
• Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent.
• Experience with electronic design automation tools and file formats (e.g., GDSII).
• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta‑optics, or integrated photonics.

Pay and Benefits

Pay range: $87,100.00 – $157,450.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and is not a guarantee of compensation. Additional factors considered include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.