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Specialist, Optical Engineering

Rochester, New York
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

L3Harris is seeking optical engineers in Rochester NY to work on a dynamic team to develop EO/IR solutions. They will have Engineering responsibilities supporting the synthesis, definition, analysis, design, development, integration & test of electro-optic systems for airborne and ground surveillance systems.  Candidates will work closely with cross functional members in engineering, manufacturing, & program management to design, develop & build high performance systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Optical Sensor System Analysis and Design, this includes developing new optical sensor payloads for both customer contracts and internal IR&D programs.
  • Utilize tools and procedures for Optical Design, Analysis, Integration and Test.
  • Provide Optical Engineering expertise to support manufacturing tasks and issues.
  • Document and control optical tools and procedures.
  • Develop and maintain technical connections and interactions with other optical Systems groups as well as relevant industry and academic groups.
  • Prepare design specifications, analyses and recommendations for presentation and approval through a formal review process.
  • Analyze, develop, and recommend design approaches to meet production requirements for new or improved products and/or processes.
  • Interface with mechanical, electrical, software and system engineers, providing engineering analysis and design from product inception to released fabrication drawings. 
  • Provide support for product development and proposals for conceptual layouts and cost estimation.
  • Complete documentation and BOMs to support life cycle of new or improved designs.
  • Provide support for existing product designs through the production cycle by incorporating engineering change orders (ECO).
  • Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Knowledge of mathematical analysis codes (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, etc.).
  • Understanding of IR detectors (well fill, NUC, SNR)
  • Understanding of radiometry (e.g. radiant intensity, NEI)
  • Able to work Modtran to model relevant environments
  • Experience with systems testing of EO/IR products
  • Ability to work with algorithm developers and understand how optical HW and Algos work together
  • Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Matlab/Simulink
  • Knowledge of optical part fabrication processes
  • Knowledge of stabilization, guidance and control
  • Optical integration and troubleshooting
  • Engineering of aerospace products
  • Strong mechanical and geo-spatial comprehension skills
  • System modeling using Matlab/Simulink

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $84,500 - $157,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-CS2

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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