Electro-Optics Engineer - 28606

Job Description

The Electro‑Optics Engineer will provide advanced engineering, research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) support to Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane across maritime, expeditionary, and airborne domains. The engineer will contribute to the next generation of EO/IR technologies used in weapon systems, visual augmentation devices, lasers, multi‑sensor targeting systems, displays, beacons, and critical warfighter situational awareness platforms. This position plays a key role in extending component lifecycle, integrating state‑of‑the‑art technologies, addressing capability gaps, and enhancing overall system reliability and readiness.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Perform RDT&E activities for EO/IR systems throughout the full lifecycle, including concept development, design, integration, testing, evaluation, and sustainment.
• Conduct research and engineering analyses to identify critical enabling EO/IR technologies and assess their suitability for specific warfighting applications.
• Execute laboratory, field, and range testing for lasers, visual augmentation systems, multi-sensor EO/IR targeting systems, weapon sights, sensors, and shipboard gun weapon system optics.
• Analyze system performance data and conduct modeling, simulation, and quick‑reaction assessments to address emerging operational needs.
• Identify and address technology gaps; develop recommendations to enhance leading‑edge EO/IR capabilities and ensure alignment with evolving adversarial threats.
• Support development of improved EO/IR components and subsystems aimed at reducing lifecycle costs and increasing reliability across multiple platforms.
• Assist with integration and technology transition efforts to ensure new capabilities can be adopted into existing systems or platforms.
• Contribute to logistical analysis, lifecycle management reviews, and sustainment planning as part of total system engineering support.
• Develop technical documentation including test plans, engineering reports, analyses, design documentation, and recommendations for technology insertion.
• Collaborate with government engineers, scientists, program managers, and cross-functional stakeholders to advance scientific and technical objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in realted field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
• Experience with electro‑optical, infrared, or laser-based systems.
• Knowledge of optical sensors, imaging systems, detectors, and optical components.
• Experience with data analysis tools and engineering software.
• Ability to work on-site at NSWC Crane.
• Active Secret clearance.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related engineering or physics discipline.
• Experience with military EO/IR systems, weapons sensors, or surveillance technologies.
• Familiarity with modeling tools such as MATLAB, Zemax, or similar.
• Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs or government engineering teams.
• Knowledge of system engineering processes, test methodologies, and configuration management.

Physical Requirements

May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.