Engineer 2, Optical Systems

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

Arete is in search of a dedicated and meticulous Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team based in Niwot, CO. This role is critical to the development, testing, and assembly of state-of-the-art lasers and optical systems. Though initial duties will align with the successful candidate's skills and experiences, career growth and continued on-the-job learning are expected. Responsibilities will encompass designing, modeling, analyzing, and testing optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components. These include sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Additionally, the position may require supporting research and development initiatives through the application of a solid understanding of physical optics, geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. This is a part-time, temporary, exempt, non-supervisory position, located in our Niwot, CO office.

Primary responsibilities:

• Assembles, aligns, and tests lasers and optical system systems.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to build lasers without a formal procedure, following best practices and safety protocols.
• Perform alignment and calibration of optical components and laser systems.
• Assist in the development and execution of laser testing procedures and experiments
• Document procedures, results, and observations accurately and maintain organized records.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to lasers and optical systems and propose effective solutions.\
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, researchers, and manufacturing personnel, to support product development efforts.
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to enhance the performance and manufacturability of laser systems.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser technology and optics.
• Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict optical system performance.
• Collect and analyze experimental data to assess system performance.
• Develop laser and optical system specifications.
• Works with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design.
• Design optical fixturing and tests to support laser alignment, construction, and performance verification.
• Inspection of optical component and systems to detect fabrication faults.
• Prepare and presents technical briefings.
• Prepare electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments.
• Plan and executes field tests and demonstrations of prototype hardware electro-optical systems and components.
• Support proposal preparation for new technical work.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills) :

• BS in Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience would be considered.
• Strong knowledge of laser systems, optics, and principles of light propagation
• Hands-on experience in the assembly, alignment, and calibration of lasers and optical components.
• Familiarity with laser testing equipment and techniques, such as power meters, beam profilers, and spectrometers.
• Proficiency in using optical alignment tools and instruments.
• Solid understanding of laser safety protocols and best practices.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Capable of managing and prioritizing multiple simultaneous responsibilities
• Proficient in use of standard electrical and optical test equipment operation (e.g. oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, etc.).
• Independently reviews available literature to fill in knowledge gaps as needed.

Nice to have (Preferred Skills):

• Lab experience with fabricating and testing optical systems
• BS + 5 years' experience /MS or higher in one of the following areas: Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering.
• Proficient in Labview, Matlab, or Python
• Capable of developing calculations or quantitative models to support optical designs.
• Capable of developing code to process collected sensor data.
• Capable of developing and analyzing optical designs with Zemax or similar optical engineering codes
• Theoretical understanding of optical engineering and laser engineering principals

The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $120,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.