Senior Optical Engineer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary

The Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with hardware and software design teams to determine the qualification and manufacturability of new technologies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
• Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
• Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
• Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
• Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems.
• Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
• Provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts.
• Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Excellent mechanical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Education

Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred.

Experience

3-5 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

• Job Location - City: Cambridge
• Job Location - State: Massachusetts
• Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $75,000.00 - $205,750.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.