Senior Optical Engineer

Wilcox develops innovative, world class electro-mechanical combat systems for today's warfighters and law enforcement officers including cutting edge laser and imaging systems. The Senior Optical Engineer is a pivotal part of the Wilcox engineering team and is responsible for providing continuous optical engineering and matrixed technical support to the engineering, R&D, and quality teams for all new and existing electro-optical systems including lenses and lasers. This includes the design, tolerancing, development, and test of new and existing optical and optomechanical designs, as well as support of NPI transition to production as well as continuous improvement efforts for products in sustainment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Leads optical and optomechanical design of high-performance optical systems and components, from initial Blue Sky concepts to detailed implementation in production.
• Performs optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and analysis to predict system performance of nominal and as-built systems.
• Aligns, tests, and calibrates optical instruments and systems.
• Leads/contributes to the development of prototype and production test fixtures, inspection requirements and work instructions as required.
• Leads/contributes to troubleshooting technical issues applying knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, clearly communicating the plan of action with all stakeholders.
• Performs "hands-on" technical work in laboratory and field environments involving electro-optical metrology, optical alignment, system testing, data collection and analysis.
• Interfaces directly with the program, manufacturing, quality, and purchasing teams as well as with optical and laser technicians and assemblers.
• Communicates the status of projects including progress, estimated time to completion, risks, and any required software, equipment, tools, etc. necessary to accomplish tasks.
• Creates and reviews technical documentation, such as test plans and design specifications, participates in internal and external design reviews.
• Uses document control processes to release concepts, layouts, and detailed designs.
• Provides optical engineering support throughout the design, transition, and sustain portions of the product development process.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• BS/MS in Optical Engineering/Physics and 7+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of 10 years education, training, and experience, with 5+ years' experience in an optical design & development role.
• Expertise in optics and electro-optical system design, debug, test, and alignment.
• Experience with both laser and imaging optics.
• Previous experience in a lead/principal design role for multiple projects/programs.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced proficiency with optical design/analysis software (Ansys/Zemax or CodeV)
• Laboratory optical prototyping and fixture design/assembly proficiency
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and data analysis abilities
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams with mechanical and electrical engineers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to adapt to modern software and work methodologies, to work in a matrixed organization, and to self-manage time between multiple projects/tasks.
• Regular on-site attendance is required.
• Must be legally authorized to access U.S. government export-controlled technology under ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or other programming languages.
• Expertise with optical design and analysis software (Ansys/Zemax, CodeV, FRED).
• Knowledge of instrument operation, calibration, & test (photometers, interferometers, autocollimators…).
• Knowledge of metrology and optomechanical tolerancing.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear; use hands and fingers to handle and touch objects, tools, or controls to work in a production environment. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus to work. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer as well as prolonged periods of standing may be required. Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.
• Ability to perform physical tests and handle tools/equipment used for optical alignment.

Wilcox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.