Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems
Nashua, NH · HybridFull-time$118–201K/yrSeen 2mo agoSeen in employer's feed 6 days ago
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At a glance
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Job overview
BAE Systems seeks a Principal Optical Engineer for its EO/IR Capability Group, developing advanced hardware solutions such as precision pointers, laser and imaging systems. The role involves designing, analyzing, and testing optical subsystems, performing performance modeling, and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams while presenting work to customers and contributing to proposals.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
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Full job description
Job Description
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
The Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and other complex EO/IR systems.
This will include the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the design and analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities Include:
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Perform optical metrology and test for optical subassemblies
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Design and develop optical system architectures and specifications for EO/IR Technology.
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Predict and Perform performance analysis and design verification.
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Perform system modeling and system data analysis to understand the overall performance of the optical system.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively
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Contribute to program success
Hybrid : Onsite 3 days per week
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
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BS degree in Optical Engineering or a related technical field
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6 or more years of experience in designing complex optical subassemblies and systems
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Experience in optical labs, performing test set-up and data analysis
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Experience in optical system level performance modeling
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Broad understanding of EO/IR Systems
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
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Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance
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Preferred: Active Secret Clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems
129097BR
EEO Career Site Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities . females . veterans . individuals with disabilities . sexual orientation . gender identity . gender expression
How this job compares
Set against the 434 open Optical Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 10, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$118–201K/yr
- New Hampshire median$118–201K/yr20 salary ranges
- US median$115–201K/yr384 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $159K, is 4% below the New Hampshire median midpoint ($165K) — in the middle half of Optical Engineer salary ranges in New Hampshire.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 20 open Optical Engineer jobs in New Hampshire and 434 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most across the US
- Oracle86 open
- Zayo35 open
- BAE Systems (this employer)26 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 6 years of experience; Optical Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years at the median (377 postings).
- Education
- This posting asks for a bachelor's degree; 264 of the 434 open Optical Engineer jobs (61%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 10, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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