Senior Engineer, Optical Systems

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We support the development of new detection capabilities that use a variety of remote sensing methodologies (EO/IR, Radar, Lidar, Chemical/Biological sensors, etc.). We are seeking outstanding applicants for our Optical Systems Engineer
position in Tucson, Arizona
.

The successful candidate will develop and execute scientific and engineering research projects which typically involve applying fundamental understanding of optical phenomena related to various sensor systems, developing performance models, designing optical hardware, and using basic mathematical methods to solve scientific and engineering problems. This position is be based in our Tucson, AZ
office and is a non-supervisory, exempt, full-time role.

• Design, models, integrates, and tests airborne optical sensor systems including visible/EO and IR cameras, LIDAR systems, and optical test equipment.
• Develop test software for control of prototype EO systems, test automation, and flight testing. Works in conjunction with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers, toprovide integrated design solutions for Areté’s customers.
• Business development, requirements development, concept and detailed design, presentation to customer at SRR, PDR, CDR, assembly, integration, and field testing.
• Mentorship and direction of work for more junior employees is also expected.
• Develop and apply imaging sensor performance models
• Analyzedata,algorithms,andtheirinteractiontoimprovealgorithmperformance
• Sub-systemandsystemleveltesting,includingtestdesign,automationandreporting:
  • VisibleCMOSsensortesting
  • Mid-waveIDECAtesting
  • LensMTF testing
  • Vibeandthermaltesting
• Interactwithsystemandsensordesignerstoimprovehardware
• Presentmajorsectionsofmaterialstocustomersatdesignreviewsandother Technical Interchange Meetings
• Maysupportoutdoorfieldtestswithoccasionaltravel
• Leadership is expected at this seniority including mentoring, directing junior employee’s work and taking responsibility for the work of others

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Lifeand Long-Term Disability(LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

• Financial: 401(k)
  Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

• Creativityandinnovationinsolvingchallenges
• Integrityandresponsibilityinallactions
• Collaborationacrossteamsandspecialties
• Responsivenessinfast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in optical engineering strongly preferred; physics or other fields will be considered if there is relevant experience – applicant must have strong optics background.
• Understanding of optical imaging systems, light propagation, radiometry, MTF testing
• Experiencewithscientificprogrammingin
  
  LabVIEW,Matlab,Python,orsimilarlanguagestosupporttestand automation of test
• DataacquisitionandinstrumentcontrolusingLabVIEW
• Stronganalyticalskillsdemonstratedthroughin-depthphysics-basedmodelinganddataanalysis
• Strongeducationinfundamentalopticsisrequired
• Demonstratedexperiencewithopticaltestisrequired
• Proclivitytowardssystemsengineeringtechniquesandprocess
• Intellectualcuriosityanddesireforcontinuouslearning
• UScitizenship,abilitytoqualifyforatop-secretsecurityclearance

• Infraredimagingexperienceincludingsystemdesign,modelingandtest
• Experiencewithlargeformat(16MP+)cryogenicallycooledIRIDECAs
• ExperiencedevelopingcustomIRlenses
• Experience with Fast Scan Mirrors
• Zemaxorsimilaropticaldesignsoftware
• Active…