Senior Optical Engineer Ai&t, Space Imaging

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Boulder, CO · Mission Systems : Imaging Engineering

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company developing advanced military systems powered by an AI-driven operating system. This role focuses on the assembly, integration, and testing of optical systems for spaceborne products, working with suppliers, developing alignment plans, managing vendors for production scaling, and evaluating performance errors. The role requires experience with opto-mechanical systems, optical assembly, integration, and testing in prototype and production environments, along with data analysis proficiency.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the assembly, integration and test for novel optical systems
  2. Work with optical suppliers to procure optical elements, including regular status updates, technical oversight, acceptance test verification, and anomaly resolutions.
  3. Generate alignment plans and procedures
  4. Align optical systems with equipment including autocollimators, theodolites, alignment telescopes, interferometers, lens alignment stations, and various other mechanical methods
  5. Manage integration and test vendors to successfully scale production of complex infrared assemblies.

Skills

Required

  • BS in Engineering or Physics/Astronomy with a concentration in Optics
  • 5+ years of experience with complex opto-mechanical systems, performing optical assembly, integration, and testing
  • Strong experience on free space optical systems integration and development for a space or airborne environment
  • Knowledge of how electro-optical systems are specified, developed, manufactured, and tested
  • Experience with optical tolerancing, lens manufacturing methods, and drawing standards
  • Knowledge and experience laboratory testing including optical component testing experience (spectral transmission, interferometry, etc.), optical system alignment, and testing (EE, MTF, PSF, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience in the integration, test, and performance requirements verification and validation of optical systems
  • Experience in prototype and production development, including requirements validation
  • Experience with optical design and analysis software (Zemax or CODE V)
  • Data analysis proficiency in Matlab, Python, or similar
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice to have

  • MS or PhD in Optics
  • Demonstrated first principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problems
  • Knowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methods
  • Experience with the test and evaluation of optical systems through thermally and vibrationally dynamic environments
  • Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff
  • Knowledge of common materials used in infrared optical systems and limitations of fabrication methods of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned)
  • Strong optomechanical engineering background, with experience in lens bonding and retention, athermalization, and mount design
  • Experience with Zygo MX, 4D 4Sight, or Apre Reveal interferometry software

What the JD emphasized

  • assembly, integration, and testing
  • prototype and production environments
  • optical systems