Optical Engineer

PeopleTec is currently seeking a Optical Engineer to support our Huntsville, AL location.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Optical Engineer to support U.S. Army directed energy weapon programs. This position focuses on the analysis, integration, and verification of optical subsystems within high-energy laser (HEL) platforms and contributes to the rapid transition of prototype technologies into mission-ready Army systems. This role is ideal for an optics professional with a background in laser systems, beam control, and optical system performance who enjoys solving complex integration challenges in support of national defense. This work will be primarily performed on-site at a secure facility. 

Duties:

• Provide subject matter expertise in laser optics, beam propagation, and optical component integration in support of HEL systems on ground and mobile platforms.
• Support government-led development of system requirements, interface specifications, and test verification plans for optical and laser subsystems.
• Assist in the design evaluation of optical layouts including beam expanders, focusing optics, steering mirrors, and high-reflectivity coatings.
• Review and analyze vendor and integrator designs for alignment tolerances, beam quality (M²), jitter, and SWaP-C considerations.
• Support test planning and field integration of HEL payloads, including alignment procedures, optical calibration, and performance data capture.
• Participate in trade studies, design reviews, and risk assessments to optimize system-level optical performance under real-world operating conditions.
• Ensure all optical subsystems comply with military standards and laser safety regulations (e.g., ANSI Z136.1, MIL-STD-1425A).
• Develop and review technical documentation including requirements traceability matrices, system specs, interface control documents, and test reports.
• Collaborate with government engineers, contractors, and integrators to guide technology maturation and support acquisition milestones.

Required Skills/Experience:

• 5+ years of experience with optical system design, laser system integration, or electro-optical subsystems—preferably within defense, aerospace, or national lab environments.
• Proficiency in optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, FRED, Lumerical, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, interferometry, beam diagnostics, and laboratory testing.
• Familiarity with optical integration challenges in ruggedized, mobile, or tactical environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce technical reports and briefings for Army leadership.
• Self-driven, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple technical tasks across a dynamic program environment.
• Flexible and responsive to changing mission priorities and evolving program objectives.
• Must have a current driver's license.
• Travel: 10-25%
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active U.S. DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain) is required to perform this work.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Army or DoD acquisition or R&D organizations (e.g., RCCTO, DEVCOM, PEO Missiles & Space).
• Knowledge of HEL-specific subsystems, such as beam control systems, beam directors, fiber laser modules, and thermal compensation optics.
• Understanding of SWaP-C constraints and how they impact optical payload performance and survivability in operational scenarios.
• Exposure to directed energy test campaigns, including range operations and data analysis.
• Familiarity with platform integration constraints, including gimbal/turret interfaces, vibration isolation, and thermal control.

People First. Technology Always.

PeopleTec, Inc. is an employee-owned small business founded in Huntsville, AL that provides exceptional customer support by employing and retaining a highly skilled workforce.

Culture: The name "PeopleTec" was deliberately chosen to remind us of our core value system - our people. Our company's foundation was built on placing our employees and customers first. With an award-winning atmosphere, we have matured into a company that boasts the best and brightest across multiple technical fields.

Career: At PeopleTec, we value your long-term goals. Whether it's through our continuing-education opportunities, our robust training programs, or our "People First" benefits package, PeopleTec truly believes that our best investments are our people.

Come Experience It.

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EEO Statement

PeopleTec, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following email address, applicationhelp@peopletec.com and/or phone number (256.319.3800) to contact us about your interest in employment with PeopleTec, Inc.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. PeopleTec, Inc. participates in E-Verify.