Optical Systems Engineer Jobs

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 Staff Engineer position inTucson, 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 is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position.

Primary responsibilities:Design, models, integrates, and tests optical sensor systems including visible/EO and IR cameras, LIDAR systems, and optical test equipment. Develops test software for control of prototype EO systems, test automation, and flight testing. Works in conjunction with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers, to provide integrated design solutions for Areté’s customers. Responsibilities include assisting with requirements development, concept and detailed design, presentation to customer at SRR, PDR, CDR, assembly, integration, and field testing.

• Analyze data, algorithms, and their interaction to improve algorithm performance
• May support outdoor field tests with occasional travel
• Interact with system and sensor designers to improve hardware
• Present results to other staff and customers
• Develop and apply electro-optic/imaging sensor performance models
• Sub-system and system level testing, including test design, automation and reporting

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

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Bereavement and Medical Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flextime Scheduling

Financial Benefits

• 401K Retirement Plan Contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Cafeteria 125 Plan
• Continuing Education Funds

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Vision Reimbursement

Qualities We Look For

• Integrity
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Passion
• Responsiveness

Experiences and Background We Look For-

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaborate on small teams
• Strong analytical skills demonstrated through in-depth physics-based modeling and data analysis
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Understanding of optical systems, light propagation, radiometry, MTF testing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Agility to work multiple potentially disparate projects simultaneously
• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in optical engineering, physics, or mathematics
• Strong education in fundamental optics; including the Fourier transform, beam propagation, radiometry/etendue, imaging, etc.
• Experience with scientific programming in Matlab, Python, or similar languages

Nice to have-

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning
• GPU or FPGA programming
• Physics-based modeling and simulation
• Computer vision, image and data fusion, image classification and automated target recognition
• Zemax or similar optical design software
• Miniature optics and optical systems
• Areté is is aSpectroscopy, bioinformatics, data fusion, data analytics, or algorithm development
• Remote sensing systems (visible, IR, lidar)
• Active security clearance
• Technical direction and/or program management
• Cloud computing and/or developing cloud-based applications

The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $130,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility. Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

Other Considerations

As the health and safety of employees continues to be a priority, Areté encourages employees to remain current on their COVID-19 vaccinations. Employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.