Senior Photonics Engineer

Photonics is changing what’s possible in defense systems, and at Bascom Hunter, you’ll help drive that change. As our Senior Photonics Engineer, you’ll lead the design and development of photonic circuits and optical systems for U.S. Department of Defense and aerospace customers, from the first simulation through lab characterization, integration, and production. This isn’t a role where you hand off one piece of the problem: you’ll set the requirements, choose the architecture, build and test the prototypes, and work side by side with our electrical and mechanical engineers to turn them into deliverable hardware. If you want your expertise to have a direct, visible impact on technology that supports national defense, this is the role. This position will be onsite in O’Fallon, MO

Responsibilities

1. Photonic System Design and Development

Lead the design, analysis, and development of photonic devices, optical systems, laser systems, and optoelectronic components.

Perform optical modeling and simulation to develop system architectures and evaluate performance.

Define optical requirements, specifications, performance budgets, and verification criteria.

Select and evaluate photonic components, including light sources, detectors, fibers, waveguides, and coatings.

1. Prototyping, Testing, and Characterization

Plan and execute characterization of optical components, subsystems, and integrated systems.

Develop test methods, measurement procedures, and automated test setups.

Analyze test data, identify root causes, and lead troubleshooting of optical, thermal, mechanical, and integration issues.

1. Engineering Integration and Product Development

Work with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing staff to deliver integrated, producible products.

Ensure designs account for assembly, alignment, testability, and long-term reliability.

Support supplier selection, component qualification, and transition to production.

Prepare specifications, test reports, procedures, and design review materials.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain or hold a DoD security clearance.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience designing, testing, and troubleshooting photonic or optical systems.
• Strong foundation in optical physics, including propagation, polarization, interference, and diffraction.
• Proficiency with optical simulation tools, laboratory instrumentation, and quantitative data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including presenting technical work to customers and non-specialists.

Why Bascom Hunter

• High-ownership technical role with direct influence on product architecture
• Opportunity to shape next-generation aerospace and defense systems
• Exposure to customers, proposal efforts, and strategic growth initiatives
• Competitive compensation and benefits

All positions at Bascom Hunter are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

Bascom Hunter is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability/veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.