Optical Designer
Reference #25027
Waterdown, Ontario
About L3HARRIS WESCAM
As a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies and within the Integrated Mission Systems Segment, the WESCAM division develops the most advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors, National Security, Search & Rescue and Airborne law enforcement agencies. From long-range covert surveillance missions to search and rescue operations, our MX-series systems, and the mission systems solutions they are a part of, produce stabilized high-magnification electro-optical and infrared images from airborne, marine and ground based platforms, enabling our customers to see first and act first.
About the Role
Designs, develops and tests optical technologies and systems. Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to assist in overall development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models, developing and implementing test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems; testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process. May provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts. May apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
Primary Responsibilities
Actively participate in the optical design of complex optical lens assemblies, including fixed focal length and zoom lenses, from concept to production
Generate optical prescriptions for lens assemblies and optical test setups
Design, build and use precision opto-mechanical test fixtures to test the performance of optical and opto-mechanical parts and assemblies
Work closely with Optical Designers, Opto-Mechanical Designers and Manufacturing to achieve the best possible mechanical designs considering all performance requirements, manufacturability & cost, for existing and new lenses
Actively support the manufacturing organization and suppliers to ensure proper knowledge transfer, timely resolution of design issues and effective test methodologies development
Collaborate closely with Product Managers and other team members from Wescam Waterdown Engineering to support estimates optical design efforts
Participate in and present results at design review meetings related to modifications and new lens designs
Actively participate in the application, maintenance and improvement of the Engineering design practices, processes and standards
Keep up-to-date knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical trends and technologies that may be relevant to Wescam’s business
Required Capabilities
Knowledge of Optical Engineering, and Opto-Mechanical design principles
Experience with optical design software such as Zemax, or Code V
Experience with an interferometer
Familiarity with Mechanical 3D CAD software, Solidworks preferred
Proven ability to troubleshoot optical system failures
Knowledge of optical design and principles
Willingness and preference to collaborate in a hands-on environment
Desired Education and Experiences
Requires practical knowledge of job area.
Bachelor’s Degree, Physics or Engineering Physics, with minimum of 2 years of prior related experience
Graduate degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related experience
