Department Head – Advanced Optical Systems (FACULTY)
Core
Provide organizational leadership for the Advanced Optical Systems Department, managing research projects in imaging, high-energy laser delivery, and sensing systems for military and intelligence community applications.
Role type
Department Head (Research Faculty or R&D Engineer)
Builds
Prototype electro-optical systems and novel optical designs for DoD and intelligence customers
Domain
Defense / Optical Engineering / High-Energy Lasers
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | research | client delivery
Required skills
Optical systems design and tolerancing, Optical design software (Zemax, CODE V, TracePro, FRED), Coating and optics fabrication techniques, Systems engineering, Project management, Team leadership
Preferred skills
Advanced degree in related field, Emerging optical design approaches (metasurfaces, gradient-index lenses), Classified security clearance eligibility
Technologies
Zemax, CODE V, TracePro, FRED
Responsibilities
Provide organizational leadership including employee management and recruitment, Mentor staff while planning high-impact research projects, Serve as principal investigator and program manager, Execute projects involving design and development of prototype electro-optical systems, Conduct basic and applied research in optical design and evaluation, Lead development of proposals and projects, Develop long-term professional relationships with manufacturers and government sponsors
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with management responsibilities