Entry Level Optical Engineer

Are you looking for an exciting, innovative company with over 100 years of excellence and commitment to ethical business? Amentum is a trusted partner to United States government agencies, allied governments, and corporations worldwide supporting critical programs across a broad range of domains. We are currently looking for an Entry Level Optical Engineer  to support the design, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across maritime, airborne, and expeditionary platforms.  This position offers hands-on experience working with cutting-edge imaging technologies, sensor payloads and embedded electronics in dynamic, mission-driven environments, while contributing to the development and sustainment of complex sensing systems used in challenging operational conditions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze data to validate performance of advanced sensor and imaging systems.
• Design, develop, and test sensor systems, including Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) and Focal Plane Array (FPA) based technologies.
• Support development and integration of hardware and electronics including FPGA based and RF enabled subsystems.
• Build, modify, and integrate sensor prototypes and associated hardware.
• Assist in system integration, verification and validation across lab and field environments.
• Generate technical documentation including test reports, traceability matrices, design artifacts, etc.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, software, and program disciplines.
• Investigate and troubleshoot system performance issues across hardware and software domains.
• Select and evaluate components cross sensing, electronic, and optical systems.
• Support development and integration of optical and photonic subsystems, including exposure to laser-based technologies.
• Assist with integration and field testing of sensor payloads across multiple platforms, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance (interim clearance is required to start). Please note, US Citizenship is required to obtain a secret clearance.
• Fundamental knowledge of sensor systems, FPA technologies, or RF systems, including calibration and performance characterization and optimization. 
• Ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams, technical drawings, and engineering documentation
• Familiarity with engineering tools (CAD, simulation, or PCB design tools)
• Understanding of testing and validation methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment
• Ability to translate complex technical work into clear, concise communication for both technical and non-technical audiences, supporting program reporting and decision making.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Secret Clearance
• Master’s degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar)

       

Compensation Details:

$75,000 - $110,000 annually

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

04/24/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.