Senior Optical Engineer

About the role

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and scientific discovery. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers responsible for the design, analysis, assembly, integration, and testing of custom optical systems deployed on aircraft and spacecraft.

This work includes the development of innovative optical solutions spanning concept development through flight hardware realization. You will interact with engineers, scientists, technicians, project leaders, and sponsors in support of mission-critical optical systems. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Design, analyze, assemble, integrate, and test custom and complex optical instrumentation supporting aircraft and spacecraft missions.
• Conduct optical system modeling and performance analyses using optical design and engineering tools.
• Operate and analyze data from optical metrology equipment including interferometers, spectrophotometers, collimated source testing systems, and related instrumentation.
• Develop and implement optical test methodologies, data analysis techniques, and software tools to support engineering evaluations and performance verification.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation, procedures, test plans, technical reports, and design packages.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, designers, and technicians to realize complex optical systems.
• Support procurement activities by preparing optical hardware specifications, reviewing vendor deliverables, and assisting with component acceptance.
• Serve as a technical contact and present technical work to project teams, design reviews, and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Lead the design, integration, and delivery of complex optical instrumentation for spaceflight and national security applications.
• Establish technical approaches, evaluate alternatives, and provide technical direction for optical system development efforts.
• Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews, sponsor interactions, and multidisciplinary project activities.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of optical engineering principles, concepts, and techniques.
• Significant experience applying optical engineering methods to the design, analysis, integration, and testing of optical systems.
• Experience using optical design and analysis software such as CODE V, Zemax, FRED, or equivalent tools.
• Advanced knowledge of optical metrology techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience analyzing technical data and communicating engineering results.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment and present technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge of complex optical system design, analysis, and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead optical engineering efforts involving highly complex technical challenges.
• Experience influencing technical direction and providing engineering recommendations to management, sponsors, and review boards.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree or PhD in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Significant experience designing, developing, and delivering optical instrumentation for spaceflight applications.
• Working knowledge of optical fabrication, optical alignment techniques, and space hardware development processes.

Pay and benefits

Pay Range $175.530 - $267,030 Annually $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level $210,630 - $267,030 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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