Aero-Optical Engineer

Job Description

Description

SAIC is looking for an Optical Scientist/Engineer to support research and development for the United States Air Force Research Lab. This position will be part of a team of scientists and engineers that provide research and development of seeker technologies for next generation weapon systems. The ideal applicant would have understanding and/or experience in the following: 

• Aero-optic and aero-thermal effects on IR windows and optical systems
• Modeling and simulation of IR optical systems including targets, background, atmospherics, point spread functions, wavefronts, FPA temporal and spatial noise
• Passive optical systems in the IR used for various applications e.g. seekers and celestial navigation 

• Statistics, IR camera calibration and processing of images with Matlab or equivalent
  • Spatial and temporal noise
  • Point source NEI
  • Ensquared energy
  • Extended target NER/NETD
  • Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
• Laboratory or field measurements with optical systems/components
• Zemax or equivalent optical design and analysis code

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• BS Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related technical degree 
• 5 or more years’ experience modeling, analyzing and simulating IR optical systems 
• Modeling of IR optical systems including vehicle aerodynamics, heating, hypersonic velocity 
• Proficiency in Zemax or equivalent, and Matlab or equivalent
• Ability to achieve and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance 

COVID Policy: Prospective and/or new employees are required to adhere with SAIC's vaccination policy. All SAIC employees must be fully vaccinated and they must submit proof of vaccination on their first day of employment. Prospective or new employees may seek an exemption to the vaccination requirement at Contact Us and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Where work is performed strictly at a customer site, customer site vaccination requirements preempt SAIC's vaccination policy.

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are more than 26,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a respectful work culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion that values all contributors. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion. For more information, visit saic.com.