Optical Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Experienced or Senior Optical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The role supports the Air Force Research Lab in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities using ground-based telescopes.

We are seeking candidates with experience in optical design, integration of optical systems, and field testing of systems. This position will work with extremely talented, high performing, multi-disciplined engineering teams to work on state-of-the-art adaptive optics and optical imaging systems.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements in adaptive optics, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, laser systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:  

• Develops and validates requirements for various communication, sensor, and other electromagnetic systems and components.

• Develops and validates optical requirements for electrical/electronic systems, mechanical systems, interconnects and structures.

• Develops architectures to integrate systems and components into higher level systems and platforms.

• Performs trade studies, modeling, simulation and other forms of analysis to predict component, interconnects and system performance and to optimize design around established requirements.

• Defines and conducts tests to validate performance of designs to requirements.

• Manages appropriate aspects of supplier and partner performance to ensure compliance to requirements.

• Provides support to products throughout their lifecycle by developing root-cause analysis of anomalies and other engineering support as requested.

• Supports project management by providing work statement, budget, schedule and other required inputs and by reporting project status.

• Writes appropriate sections of proposals to support development of new business.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 

• 5+ years of experience in optical design

• 5+ years of experience with design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced Electro-Optical Systems 

• Willing and able to work variable shifts; including days, evenings, nights and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Advanced study in Optical Specialization

• Active U.S. Top Secret Clearance

• Experience working with adaptive optics systems

• Experience with high power lasers

• Optical System Integration: knowledge of multi-discipline integration issues applicable to infrared/electro-optical (IR/EO), visible, ultraviolet (UV), photonics, fiber, high energy laser, and optics, including reliability, availability, maintainability, testability, supportability, mechanical design, packaging, electrical, software, configuration management, environmental constraints, safety, human factors

• 5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica

  

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for Variable shift.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Experienced (Level 3) Summary pay range: $97,750 – $132,250

Senior (Level 4) Summary pay range: $118,150 - $159,850

Applications for this position will be accepted until Aug. 21, 2025

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details: US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for variable shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Experience Level
Individual Contributor
Contingent Upon Program Award
No, this position is not contingent upon program award

Schedule
Full time

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.