Optical Test Engineer

Optical Test Engineer – SAIC

Location:

Chantilly, VA, US | Date Posted:  | Category:
Engineering and Sciences | Subcategory:
Systems Engineer |

Schedule:

Full-time |

Shift: Day Job | Travel:
No |

Clearance Required:

TS/SCI with Polygraph | Remote Work:
No

SAIC is seeking a mid‑level Optical Test Engineer with NRO experience to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer for a complex space and ground effort. The engineer will focus on mitigation technologies, understanding laser threats to space vehicles, modeling laser engagements, gathering and organizing test data, and validating models against test results.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work directly with Government COTRs and mission partners to coordinate testing campaigns, organize data, and develop mitigation techniques and technologies.

• Support government acquisition, source selection, and programmatic processes.
• Support Contract Officer/Contract Officer Technical Representatives (CO/COTRs) and developers by coordinating with other technical domain SMEs and program stakeholders to satisfy system, design, and interface requirements.
• Coordinate test planning and execution activities for the COTR and brief results to leadership.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings between developers and COTR.

• Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with Counter‑Intelligence polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related optics or imaging science with 7+ years of relevant experience; or Master's/PhD in the same field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of optical system design, development, manufacturing, and testing.
• Experience testing in Government laboratories.
• Ability to communicate very technical subjects to senior decision makers with varying technical expertise.
• Self‑starter able to recognize requirements and perform work with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer‑engagement skills.
• Strong written and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic, team environment.

• Proven technical background in optical systems and space acquisition.
• Current NRO‑adjudicated clearance and polygraph.
• 5+ years of related experience in a SETA or embedded integrator role.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community and/or the Department of Defense.