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L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Optical Designer

Reference #25027

Waterdown, Ontario

About L3HARRIS WESCAM

As a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies and within the Integrated Mission Systems Segment, the WESCAM division develops the most advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors, National Security, Search & Rescue and Airborne law enforcement agencies. From long-range covert surveillance missions to search and rescue operations, our MX-series systems, and the mission systems solutions they are a part of, produce stabilized high-magnification electro-optical and infrared images from airborne, marine and ground based platforms, enabling our customers to see first and act first.

About the Role

Designs, develops and tests optical technologies and systems. Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to assist in overall development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models, developing and implementing test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems; testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process. May provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts. May apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Actively participate in the optical design of complex optical lens assemblies, including fixed focal length and zoom lenses, from concept to production
• Generate optical prescriptions for lens assemblies and optical test setups
• Design, build and use precision opto-mechanical test fixtures to test the performance of optical and opto-mechanical parts and assemblies
• Work closely with Optical Designers, Opto-Mechanical Designers and Manufacturing to achieve the best possible mechanical designs considering all performance requirements, manufacturability & cost, for existing and new lenses
• Actively support the manufacturing organization and suppliers to ensure proper knowledge transfer, timely resolution of design issues and effective test methodologies development
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and other team members from Wescam Waterdown Engineering to support estimates optical design efforts
• Participate in and present results at design review meetings related to modifications and new lens designs
• Actively participate in the application, maintenance and improvement of the Engineering design practices, processes and standards
• Keep up-to-date knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical trends and technologies that may be relevant to Wescam’s business

Required Capabilities 

• Knowledge of Optical Engineering, and Opto-Mechanical design principles
• Experience with optical design software such as Zemax, or Code V
• Experience with an interferometer
• Familiarity with Mechanical 3D CAD software, Solidworks preferred
• Proven ability to troubleshoot optical system failures
• Knowledge of optical design and principles
• Willingness and preference to collaborate in a hands-on environment

Desired Education and Experiences 

• Requires practical knowledge of job area.
• Bachelor’s Degree, Physics or Engineering Physics, with minimum of 2 years of prior related experience
• Graduate degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience  
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related experience

At L3Harris, we foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. For applicants with disabilities, we will provide you with accommodation so that you have what you need in order to be at your best.

L3Harris performs background checks prior to employment as all applicants must be eligible for registration with the Controlled Goods Program and obtain and maintain a positive security assessment. Some positions may require a government of Canada “Reliability” status and/or Level 2 (Secret) security clearance. In addition, L3Harris performs pre-employment substance abuse testing where required.