Senior Optical Engineer Design & Architecture, Space Imaging
Anduril Industries is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to join their Space Imaging team, focusing on the design and development of advanced optical systems for spaceborne applications. This role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to define optical architectures, perform design and analysis, build prototypes, and transition these prototypes into production-ready products. The position is based in Boulder, Colorado.
Key responsibilities include leading architectural decisions and optical trade studies for novel optical systems, designing lenses and optical components for high-performance imaging systems, and defining optical performance requirements within multidisciplinary engineering constraints. The engineer will also design and tolerance complex visible to infrared optical systems to meet performance requirements for ground and airborne applications, develop and review test setups and procedures to transition products from R&D to production, and evaluate prototype and production optical system performance to determine root causes of errors.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a concentration in Optics, with a Master’s or PhD preferred but not required. A minimum of 5 years of experience with complex opto-mechanical systems, including optical system design, analysis, alignment, and testing, is essential. Proficiency with optical design and analysis software, preferably Zemax, experience with Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and knowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methods are required. Experience in designing diffraction-limited imaging systems in dynamic environments and eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance are also necessary.
Preferred qualifications include a demonstrated first-principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problems, experience with optical component testing (such as spectral transmission and interferometry), optical system alignment and testing (including EE, MTF, PSF), and opto-electrical system modeling. Experience in the integration, testing, and performance verification of optical systems, radiometry and stray light analysis, team leadership, and mentoring of junior staff are advantageous. Knowledge of common materials used in optical systems and the limitations of various fabrication methods (such as molded, polished, diamond-turned optics) is also beneficial.
The salary range for this position is $144,000 to $191,000 per year, with highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers. Anduril offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to employees, along with income protection through life and disability insurance. Additional benefits include generous time off, family planning and parenting support, mental health resources, professional development reimbursement, commuter benefits, and relocation assistance, depending on role eligibility. Retirement savings plans are also available, including traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax options.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company committed to transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By integrating cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built, and sold. The company’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a real-time, 3D command and control center. Joining Anduril offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects that have a significant impact on national security and defense.