Senior Optical Engineer, Imaging

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.Anduril Imaging designs and builds state-of-the-art imaging systems, deployed to tackle the most significant security challenges of America and its allies. The Tactical Systems mission team is seeking an Optical Engineer to design a new product lines for tactical airborne applications on both fixed wing and rotor craft. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary technical team to define optical architectures, complete the optical design and analysis, build prototypes leading to ground and flight testing, and mature the prototypes into products. Successful candidates will have experience designing and delivering environmentally rugged optical systems.WHAT YOU'LL DOLead architecture decisions, optical trades for novel optical systems for broadly defined missionsUnderstand and define optical performance requirements given multi-disciplinary engineering constraintsDesign and tolerance complex visible to infrared optical systems to meet performance requirements for ground & airborne applicationsDesign lenses and optical components for high performance imaging systemsDevelop and review test setups, procedures, and data to transition products and systems from R&D to productionEvaluate and analyze prototype and production optical system performance errors to determine root causeWork independently and collaborate with senior staff and leadership to solve interdisciplinary technical problems by serving as the Optical Engineering subject matter expertREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSBS in Engineering required with a concentration in OpticsMS or PhD preferred, but not required5+ years of experience with complex opto-mechanical systems, performing optical system design, analysis, alignment and test in the workforceExpertise with optical design and analysis software, preferably ZemaxExperience with STOP (Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance) analysisKnowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methodsExperience with the design of diffraction limited imaging systems in dynamic environmentsMust be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearancePreferred QUALIFICATIONSDemonstrated first principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problemsOptical component testing experience (spectral transmission, interferometry, etc.), optical system alignment and testing (EE, MTF, PSF, etc.), and opto-electrical system modelingDemonstrated experience in the integration, test, and performance requirements verification and validation of optical systemsExperience with radiometry and stray light analysisDemonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staffKnowledge of common materials used in optical systems and limitations of fabrication methods of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structuresUS Salary Range$142,000—$213,000 USDThe salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer top tier platinum coverage (medical, dental, vision) that are 100% covered by Anduril for you and 90% covered for your dependents.For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit .