Optical Engineer

Title:

Optical Engineer

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Around here, we define the future.

We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers.

KBR is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead the assembly, characterization, and testing of high-fidelity optical hardware. This role requires a blend of laboratory expertise and analytical rigor to support both prototype development and commercial-grade optical systems. The ideal candidate will leverage previous experience supporting Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) flight projects to develop robust test procedures and custom data pipelines for next-generation optical technologies.

The Optical Engineer will be responsible for:

• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and alignment of complex prototype and commercial optical hardware.
• Conduct comprehensive characterization of optical systems using interferometry, imaging, and spectral analysis.
• Review/evaluate proposed optical designs to meet mission design and systems requirements.
• Develop custom analysis pipelines for automated data collection, calibration, and processing.
• Integrate and control a variety of laboratory hardware and electromechanical components.
• Translate high-level mission requirements into actionable laboratory test plans.
• Apply experience with flight-project standards to ensure data integrity, hardware safety, and mission success.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and optical interfaces.
• Support the technical team meetings, design reviews, in-house and out-of-house proposals included but not limited to various systems designs, systems standard interface and requirements, and standard of assembly, integration, test, and verification approach.
• Support system and subsystem integration and testing, including development and execution of Ground Readiness Tests, requirement
• verification prior to performing End-To-End tests with on-orbit missions and assisting with optical alignment, integration, and test.
• Provide calibration support as needed.
• Review vendor’s specs, methodologies, and fabrication plans.
• Assist in planning, preparations, and execution of the Project milestones and major reviews including preparing for and conducting Engineering Peer Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews.
• Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment.
• Write test procedures, plans & reports as necessary.

Required Qualification:

• 5 to eight 8 years of experience in optical engineering, with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory work.
• Knowledge in optical design/modeling using Zemax or Code V for Aerospace applications with experience in design of optical assemblies.
• Comfortable working in a cross-disciplinary environment to develop and implement new designs or help trouble-shoot existing ones.
• Capable of receiving guidance for working all phases of optical subsystems from the conceptual design layout, package prototyping, fixture/tooling design, development of mechanical attachment methods/tools for optimal optical alignment.
• Strong knowledge of optics fabrication and testing methods.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.

Preferred Skills

• History of working with spacecraft at NASA Goddard Space Flight center, or another NASA center.
• Deep understanding of GSFC/NASA flight hardware standards and cleanroom protocols.
• Ability to automate complex test equipment using Python-based hardware APIs or LabVIEW.

EDUCATION - BS degree in Optical Engineering, or equivalent experience

LOCATION - This role requires a regular onsite presence at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) for hardware activities. Occasional remote work is possible at the discretion of the Technical Lead.

Experience and/or Education in lieu of these qualifications will be reviewed for applicability to meet these requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

· On-Site work performed at GSPC Greenbelt, MD locati