Leonard Workforce Solutions is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a growing optical engineering firm based in Tucson, Arizona, seeking an Early-Career Optical Systems Engineer
.
About the Ro
le
This is a growth role designed for someone at the beginning of their career who wants to develop into a well-rounded optical systems engineer. You will work directly alongside a senior optical systems engineer on the design, analysis, and testing of precision optical instruments for commercial space and semiconductor extreme precision metrology applications. The work spans the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and requirements through optical analysis, lab integration, test, and deployment. The primary technical domain is optics and optical systems. Mechanical and systems engineering skills matter, but they are secondary and can be developed on the job. What cannot be taught as easily is genuine curiosity and the drive to understand things deep
ly.
Responsibili
- ties
Optical Analysis and Simulation: Support system-level optical analysis using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio. Evaluate performance against requirements, explore sensitivities, and help translate optical designs into something buildable and test - able.Lab Work: Participate in the hands-on work of building and testing optical systems. This includes precision alignment, setting up and operating test configurations, and learning to use metrology equipment carefully and corre
- ctly. Systems Engineering Support: Help develop and maintain requirements, interface definitions, analysis documentation, test procedures, and traceability. Learn to think about systems, not just components, and how optical performance connects to broader mission object
ives.
Qualific
- ations
BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a field with meaningful optics content. We are not rigid about the degree title, but we expect demonstrated engagement with optics through coursework, research, a senior project, or serious self-study. You should have an honest grounding in the basics of both geometric and physical - optics.
The single most important quality is intellectual curiosity, the kind that operates without external prompting. We want someone who gets interested in problems, follows threads, and genuinely wants to understand how things work at a level beyond what the job requires on any gi - ven day.
Mentorship is taken seriously here. If you are willing to learn, this organization is willing t
o be real.
Equal Opportunit
y Statement
This organization is committed to diversity and inclusivity.