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Optical Engineer

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Job ID 11034
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L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing diverse, 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 an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 50,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.

Job Title: Optical Engineer

Job Code: 11034

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description: The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking a dedicated Optical Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical on-site support for our aerospace programs. This role involves hands-on lab work, precise optical alignment, and meticulous inspection processes. Our projects span imaging systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems within a lab environment.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
  • Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
  • Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork.
  • Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
  • Support optical design and modeling efforts as needed, with a focus on hands-on application and testing.
  • Perform detailed receiving, cleaning, and inspection of optical components to maintain system integrity.
  • Participate in systems trade studies, vender assessments with an emphasis on practical evaluation and lab-based experimentation.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, or a Graduate Degree with at least 4 years of related experience. Equivalent professional experience of 10 years may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 4 years of experience in hands-on optical alignment, testing, and inspection, preferably with remote sensing infrared and visible space-qualified systems.
  • Expereince with Zemax and/or Code V optical software for design and analysis purposes.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance. 
  • Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
  • Familiarity with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your résumé for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your résumé, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

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