Optical Window Technical Leader

Job Description:

Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Optical Windows Subject Matter Expert to join our advanced stealth platform programs. The successful candidate will provide senior-level technical leadership for the design, development, analysis, testing, and production of specialized optical windows, apertures, and sensor systems integrated into highly sensitive stealth platforms. This role requires deep expertise in materials science, electro-optics, and the unique challenges of low-observable (LO) systems

Technical leadership:
As the primary technical authority on all matters relating to stealth optical windows, from initial design concepts through manufacturing and fielding.
Research and development:
Research into novel optical materials, coatings, and manufacturing techniques that meet stringent stealth, environmental, and performance requirements across various spectral ranges (e.g., UV, visible, IR). Author and review technical reports, specifications, and design documentation.
Design and analysis:
Develop and optimize optical window designs using advanced modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, FRED) to ensure performance requirements are met while minimizing optical and electromagnetic signatures.
Program collaboration:
Interface with multi-disciplinary teams, including systems engineering, LO engineering, manufacturing, and program management, to integrate optical window solutions effectively.
Testing and qualification:
and oversee laboratory and flight test campaigns to qualify and verify optical window performance under mission-relevant conditions, including aerodynamic stress and environmental exposure.
Manufacturing support:
Work directly with vendors and internal manufacturing teams to ensure that complex optical components can be produced with high precision, repeatability, and quality control.
Provide expert analysis and support for troubleshooting and resolving hardware anomalies related to optical windows throughout the platforms lifecycle.

Job Requirements:

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
A bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in optical systems engineering, with at least 10 years of specific experience involving stealth or low-observable platforms.
Expertise in optical materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes, particularly in the infrared (IR) spectrum.
Ability to work with and lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) engineers who are proficient with optical design and analysis software, such as Zemax, FRED, or similar tools.
Ability to work with and lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) engineers who are proficient in physics-based modeling and performance analysis.
Understand the full life-cycle processes for the design, development, and manufacture of optics, optical systems, and EO/IR systems.
Ability to obtain Active Top Secret clearance; ability to hold SCI clearance with a CI Polygraph is required.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, such as Ion Beam Sputtering for optical coatings.
Familiarity with quantum-enhanced sensors and AI-integrated photonic systems.
Demonstrated experience in a highly collaborative, fast-paced research and development environment.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Experience in a leadership role, mentoring junior engineers and guiding research projects.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $146670 - $249330

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Job Ident #: 117207BR

Company Details

BAE Systems

1601 Research Blvd
Rockville, Maryland 20850 USA
www.baesystems.jobs

BAE Systems is a premier global defense and security company with approximately 100,000 employees delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions...

Benefits:
Competitive

Supported Manufacturers:
Various

Supported Models:

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Job Info

Location

Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States

Type

Contractor

Company Details

BAE Systems

1601 Research Blvd
Rockville, Maryland 20850 USA
www.baesystems.jobs