Posted 17 days ago
Lead Optics Engineer
@ Aerospace
Overview
Honeywell Aerospace is hiring a Lead Optical Systems Engineer to design, test and lead optical payloads for satellites and space instruments. The role mixes hands-on laboratory work with conceptual and modelling work and requires 8+ years of aerospace optical experience. The posting states a salary of $130,000 to $180,000 in Ontario, incentive plan eligibility, and Controlled Goods Program clearance.
Pay:
$130,000–$180,000 a year
Responsibilities:
- Lead design, development and testing of optical payload systems
- Design and operate optical test setups across wavelengths
- Troubleshoot complex optical manufacturing and testing problems
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
Requirements summary:
- Bachelor's degree in science or engineering
- 8+ years optical design and systems engineering for aerospace
- 3+ years hands-on breadboard or laboratory optical work
- 3+ years optical simulation with Zemax, Code-V or similar
Tools & skills
Benefits mentioned
Source and dates
Employer career site / ATS feed · oraclecloud
- Employer posting date
- 2026-10-20
- First seen by our source
- 2026-10-20
- Source record updated
- 2026-10-20
These dates describe the source record, not a live verification that the employer is still hiring. Check the original posting.
Job details
| Seniority | Lead |
| Department | Engineering |
| Experience | 8+ years |
| Hours per week | 40 (estimated) |
| Work setting | Laboratory, Office |
| Position | Sitting and standing |
| Physical demands | physical low · computer high |
| Languages | English |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree (required), Master’s degree (preferred), Doctorate (preferred) |
| Fields of study | sciences, engineering, mathematics |
| Security clearance | Other clearance |
| Perks mentioned | Generous paid time off, Flexible hours, Generous parental leave, Retirement plan, Wellness |
Summary and details written by AI from the posting; the employer’s posting is the authority.
Aerospace
Saved company profile
Historical company information from a saved The Jobs API profile (LinkedIn/Crunchbase fields). It is not live-verified; figures may have changed. Missing values remain unknown.
A leading architect for the nation’s space programs, supporting national security & fostering innovation in space.
Full company description
The Aerospace Corporation is a leading architect for the nation’s space programs, advancing capabilities that outpace threats to the country’s national security while nurturing innovative technologies to further a new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace’s national workforce of more than 4,600 employees provides objective technical expertise and thought leadership to solve the hardest problems in space and assure mission success for space systems and space vehicles.
- LinkedIn followers
- 132,979
- People associated on LinkedIn
- 5,202
- Reported office locations
- 14745 Lee Rd, Chantilly, Virginia 20151, US
- 2310 E. El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo, California 90245, US
- Business categories
- Innovation Management
- Military
- Government
- Aerospace
- Other recorded names
- The Aerospace Corporation
- Specialties
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Space Policy
- Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Remote Sensing
- Small Satellites
- Launch Vehicles
- Autonomous Systems
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Optical Communications
- Laser Communications
- Launch Certification
- Government Relations
- Propulsion Science
- Space Research
- Additive Manufacturing
- Electric Propulsion
- and Engineering
- Profile identifies a recruitment agency
- No
- Reported total investment
- 6,948,344
Currency and observation date were not supplied; this is not a current valuation or a funding round.
The Aerospace Corporation is a leading architect for the nation’s space programs, advancing capabilities that outpace threats to the country’s national security while nurturing innovative technologies to further a new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace’s national workforce of more than 4,600 employees provides objective technical expertise and thought leadership to solve the hardest problems…
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry | Space Research and Technology |
| Company size | 1,001-5,000 employees |
| Headquarters | Chantilly, Virginia |
| Organization type | Nonprofit |
| Year founded | 1960 |
| Specialties | AerospaceDefenseSpace Policy TechnologyComputer ScienceSoftware EngineeringRemote SensingSmall SatellitesLaunch VehiclesAutonomous Systems |
| Open jobs on Jobsy | 36 |
| View page |
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Optical Systems Engineer to join our team. This role requires a deep understanding of both optical systems and systems engineering. You will play a critical role on a cross-disciplinary team that specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of novel, state-of-the-art optical and science instruments for military, government, and commercial space applications, including Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, space situational awareness, maritime traffic monitoring, and optical communications. Your expertise and knowledge will be instrumental in developing optical systems and performing testing to ensure successful completion of projects and the delivery of high-quality solutions.
In this role, you will collaborate with a team to execute project plans related to optical systems and test systems, ensuring all engineering requirements are fulfilled. You will provide technical assistance to fellow engineers, troubleshoot issues, and lead or contribute to the development of innovative solutions for complex customer challenges. This position requires a blend of hands-on, in-person laboratory work and activities outside the lab, including conceptual discussions and model-based analysis, to support team members and complete your own independent tasks.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, simulation, and testing of optical payload systems for satellite and space applications. This includes hands-on, in-person laboratory work with physical configurations, as well as collaborative support outside the lab, involving conceptual discussions, optical modeling, and mathematical analysis.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration of optical payloads with satellite systems.
- Conduct system requirements analysis and define the specifications necessary for the development of optical payload systems.
- Oversee the development of test plans and procedures and ensure thorough testing of optical components and systems.
- Evaluate and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle of optical payloads.
- Design, assemble, and operate optical test setups using various tools including interferometers, integrating spheres, spectrometers, various optical sensors, and light sources such as lasers and lamps, across different wavelengths.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex engineering problems related to the manufacturing and testing of optical systems.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements in optical payload technology.
- Ensure adherence to quality and safety standards and customer requirements.
- Liaise with external stakeholders, including government agencies and partners, to ensure compliance with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
Must Have:
- Bachelor's degree in sciences, engineering, mathematcis or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of experience in optical design, test, and systems engineering for aerospace applications.
- 8+ years of experience with optical systems, including sensors, cameras, and related technologies.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in breadboard, laboratory, or operational optical systems.
- 3+ years of optical simulation experience (Zemax, Code-V, Light Tools, Trace Pro, and other industry standard tools).
We Value:
- Master's degree or PH.D
- Experience with space mission design and integration processes.
- Experience with free-space optical communications.
- Experience with fiber lasers and/or Class 4 lasers in a breadboard, laboratory, or operational environment.
- Experience with the complete engineering lifecycle (design to volume production)
- Knowledge of satellite systems and interfaces.
- Familiarity with relevant software tools for optical design and analysis.
- Experience with Matlab.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Individuals who are self-motivated and able to work with little supervision, who consistently take the initiative to get things done, and are willing to do things before being asked by others or forced to by events.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.
The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $180,000 in Ontario. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
This position is for a current vacancy
The Honeywell Aerospce building is a Controlled goods program environment. Candidates must be eligibie for Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and Contract Security Program (CSP) clearances.
About us:
Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.
Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.
Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.
Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.
Benefits:
Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
- Employee assistance program and educational assistance
- Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
- Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time
Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com
The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Electronic Solutions:
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on-time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.
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