Optical Systems Engineer

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.

As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will assist in designing and building solid-state, semiconductor, fiber laser, and optical systems; modeling and simulating laser and optical performance; planning measurements, diagnostics, and experiments; acquiring laser and optical performance data; analyzing experimental data; validating theories on system performance through measurement and analysis; and conducting research and development related to lasers and electro-optical systems. You will also develop and document diagnostics and processes for laser and optical system evaluation and fabrication, as well as develop component specifications, tolerances, simulations, and test procedures. This is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory position, located in our Niwot, CO office.

Primary responsibilities:

• Drives technical research for laser and sensor development programs
• Manage proposals for pursuits of new science and technology business
• Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance
• Analyzes collected experimental data to assess laser system performance
• Develops laser and optical system specifications
• Works with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design
• Assembles, aligns, and tests lasers and optical system systems
• Documents designs, procedures, and performance
• Designs optical fixturing and tests to support laser and optical system alignment, construction, and performance verification
• Inspects optical component and systems
• Prepares and presents technical briefings
• Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design
• Prepares electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments
• Plans and executes field tests and demonstrations of prototype hardware electro-optical systems and components
• Supports proposal preparation for new technical work
• Principal investigator for DoD research and development projects.
• Submits technical proposals for research and development programs.
• Additional duties as assigned.

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

Health & Wellness:

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

 Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

 Work-Life Balance: 

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

 What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Proficient theoretical understanding of laser physics, optics, and design approaches
• Demonstrated capability in hardware build and test
• Experience in the execution of DoD funded research and development programs
• Appreciation of both technical and business constraints for development projectsIntellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Entrepreneurial
• Quickly understands overall project objectives and selects best suited solutions
• Skilled and innovative problem solver
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic
• Detail oriented
• Inquisitive and provides critical review of technical work by peers
• Responsive to technical questions and review from peers and technical management
• Comfortable in adapting to support a wide variety of roles to support different types of laser, lidar, and optical system development projects.
• Proficient use of standard MS Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Proficient in use of standard electrical and optical test equipment operation (e.g. oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, etc.).
• Proficient in Matlab, Mathematica, Python, or other scientific computing language
• Possesses basic understanding of optical detectors and radiometry
• Capable of developing models and simulations of laser dynamics to support optical designs
• Capable of developing code to process collected sensor data
• Independently perform research of available literature to fill in knowledge gaps as needed

 Nice to Have (Preferred Skills): 

• Remote sensing systems (visible, IR, lidar)
• Solid state laser development experience
• Experience with COMSOL, Zemax, Ansys, Solidworks, CREO, or other design software
• Familiarity with Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis workflows
• Active security clearance 

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate’s level of experience:

• Engineer 2: $95,000 - $120,000 [required BS +2/MS degree or higher]
• Staff Engineer: $115,000 - $140,000 [experience of BS+5 years, OR MS+3 years]
• Senior Engineer: $135,000 - $165,000 [experience of BS+9 years, MS+7 years, or PhD+4 years]

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 Considerations 

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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

Successful passage of a criminal background screen 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. 

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.

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.