Rodeo
Get started

BAE Systems

Principal Optical Engineer - EO/IR Systems

Nashua
$118k – $200.8k/yr
Posted 1 day ago
Sign up to applySee more jobs like this
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever

How your CV stacks up

1Upload CV
2Analyse CV
3Improve CV

Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role

?%

Job Description

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.

The Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and other complex EO/IR systems.

This will include the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the design and analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities Include:

  • Perform optical metrology and test for optical subassemblies
  • Design and develop optical system architectures and specifications for EO/IR Technology.
  • Predict and Perform performance analysis and design verification.
  • Perform system modeling and system data analysis to understand the overall performance of the optical system.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Contribute to program success

Hybrid: Onsite 3 days per week

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

  • BS degree in Optical Engineering or a related technical field
  • 6 or more years of experience in designing complex optical subassemblies and systems
  • Experience in optical labs, performing test set-up and data analysis
  • Experience in optical system level performance modeling
  • Broad understanding of EO/IR Systems

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

See breakdown
Save jobNot relevant
View details

It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

See breakdown
Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

See breakdown
Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance
  • Preferred: Active Secret Clearance

Pay Information

  • Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health savings accounts
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Disability coverage
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Legal plan
  • Discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance

Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Get help with your application

Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.

Get help applying for this job

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Trusted by 25,000+ job seekers

“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica, London

Get help applying for this job

Skills

Optical engineering
EO/IR systems
Optical design
Optical metrology
System modeling
Performance analysis
Design verification
Laser systems
Imaging systems
Opto-mechanical design
Data analysis
Optical testing
System architecture
Technical proposal writing
Customer presentation
Hardware development

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Sign up to applySee more jobs like this