Optical Engineer

About This Jobs

Position Available - Optical Engineer

Seeking an opportunity to create meaningful change? At Leidos, we provide groundbreaking solutions through the efforts of our varied and gifted workforce, all dedicated to client success. We strengthen our groups, support our local areas, and function sustainably. Every action we take is based on a promise to act ethically for our clients, our staff, and our society. Our Mission, Vision, and Values direct our business practices. Are you prepared for your next professional milestone?

Leidos Defense offers a varied collection of systems, answers, and services spanning land, ocean, air, space, and digital domains for clients globally. Defense solutions include enterprise and mission information technology, expansive intelligence frameworks, command and control, geospatial and data analysis, cybersecurity, supply chain, training, and intelligence analysis and operational assistance. Our crew is addressing the world's most difficult security problems for clients with critical missions.

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is looking for an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in creating advanced optical payload systems for upcoming space missions. The Space Business Area is revolutionizing space payload solutions for the future through both client-supported initiatives and internal research and development (IR&D) projects aimed at enabling new abilities in space-based observation.

In this position, you will assist with the creation, simulation, and experimental verification of optical systems operating in visible and infrared ranges. You will add to optical system modeling and performance assessment, help with design alternatives and system-level reviews, and support the creation of small, high-performance payloads.

You will also take a practical role in laboratory tasks, such as optical alignment, assembly, testing, and characterization of parts and prototype systems. Working alongside experienced engineers and interdisciplinary teams, you will help evaluate and measure emerging optical technologies, including diffractive and meta-optics, examine experimental data to guide design choices, and record findings to support internal R&D and project work.

This role highlights a mix of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate feels at ease working in both simulation and lab settings and is inspired to develop technical knowledge in both areas.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related area with 4+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 2+ years of prior applicable experience
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and keep a Secret security clearance
• Familiarity with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis
• Knowledge of optical performance measures such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric factors
• Experience working in a laboratory setting, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
• Effective communication skills and the capacity to operate in a cooperative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)
• Experience with infrared optical systems or sensors
• Practical experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical measurement
• Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE V
• Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or similar
• 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

If you desire comfort, continue looking elsewhere. At Leidos, we surpass, outbuild, and outrun the current standard because the mission requires it. We are not recruiting followers. We are seeking those who challenge, question, and will not quit. Step 10 is outdated. We are already at step 30 and advancing faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: April 27, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably expects that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial clients with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That is why we design compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our clients. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.