Engineer 2, Optical Systems

Company: Arete
Location: Tucson
Posted on: January 5, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description 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. We support the development of new detection capabilities that use a variety of remote sensing methodologies (EO/IR, Radar, Lidar, Chemical/Biological sensors, etc.). We are seeking outstanding applicants for our Engineer 2, Optical Systems position in Tucson, Arizona. The successful candidate will develop and execute engineering development projects which typically involve applying fundamental understanding of optical phenomena related to various sensor systems, developing performance models, designing optical hardware, and using basic mathematical methods to solve scientific and engineering problems. This position is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time role. Primaryresponsibilities: - Design, models, integrates, and tests optical sensor systems including visible and IR cameras, LIDAR systems, and optical test equipment. - Develops software for the purpose of testing and automating test procedures. - Works in conjunction with systems engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and software engineers to provide integrated design solutions for Arete's customers. - Responsibilities include assisting with requirements development, concept and detailed design, presentation to customer at SRR, PDR, CDR, assembly, integration, and field testing. - Develop and apply imaging sensor performance models including MTF and radiometric models - Optical systems design including visible and IR imaging system - Testing of Fast Steering Mirrors - Development of requirements - Presentation of results to staff and customers - May support outdoor field tests with occasional travel 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: - 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions - Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - 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: - Bachelor's or Master's in optical engineering, electrical engineering with optics emphasis or other relevant field with strong emphasis on optics - Experience with scientific programming in Labview, Matlab, Python, or similar languages - Data acquisition and instrument control using LabVIEW or Python - Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning - US citizenship Nice to have: - Infrared imaging experience including system design, modeling and test - Experience with large format (16MP) cryogenically cooled IR IDECAs - Experience developing custom IR lenses - Experience with Fast Steering Mirrors - Zemax or similar optical design software - Active security clearance The salary range for this role is $90,000 to $130,000; 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.PandoLogic. Keywords: Optical Engineer, Location: Tucson, AZ - 85712

Keywords: Arete, Casa Grande , Engineer 2, Optical Systems, Engineering , Tucson, Arizona