About this opportunity
Boeing lists this Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level) opportunity in kirtland, New Mexico. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Job Description
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Optical Design Engineer (Level 2 or 3) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Design Engineer to support the advancement of ground-based electro-optical tracking and imaging systems. In this role, you will lead the design, simulation, and integration of high-precision optical systems, transitioning conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional, state-of-the-art experimental hardware. This is an opportunity to utilize cutting-edge design tools and work directly with world-class, large-aperture telescopes at a historically significant military research site.
This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of control solutions.
Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:
Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security
You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems
You’ll assumeownershipfor the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application
You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields
We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement
Position Responsibilities:
Perform hands-onoptical design, ray tracing, and wavefront modelingusing industry-standard design tools
Analyze optical system performance, including wavefront error, stray light, and distortion over temperature and structural variations
Design, model, and implementadvanced optical architectures
Analyze interferometry, wavefront, and metrology data from real-world optical payloads torefine design tolerances and improve alignment strategies
Design, optimize, and validate complex optical systems inZemax OpticStudio or Code V
Develop and executeoptical bench testing, assembly integration, and interferometric verificationto validate physical hardware against design models
Integrate optical designs withprecision opto-mechanical mounts, active deformable mirrors, and sensor payloadson stable laboratory and telescope platforms
This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):
This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
This position requires ability to obtain U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance or equivalent (Post Start)
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
2+ years of experience in optical design
2+ years of experience with design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced Electro-Optical Systems
Must be willing to work variable shifts; including days, evenings, nights, and weekends
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
Advanced study in Optical Specialization
Experience working with adaptive optics systems
Experience with high power lasers
Optical System Integration: knowledge of multi-discipline integration issues applicable to infrared/electro-optical (IR/EO), visible, ultraviolet (UV), photonics, fiber, high energy laser, and optics, including reliability, availability, maintainability, testability, supportability, mechanical design, packaging, electrical, software, configuration management, environmental constraints, safety, human factors
5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica
Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.
Shift:
This position is for Variable shift.
Pay and Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $91,800 - $124,200
Mid-level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 - $151,800
Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 14, 2026
Export Control Requirements:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Export Control Details:
US based job, US Person required
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Security Clearance:
This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift:
This position is for variable shift
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.