Job Description
The Senior Optical Engineer will support the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads for Earth observation satellites, collaborating across teams to develop and troubleshoot optical systems such as telescopes and cameras.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads
- Coordinate and execute optical manufacturing activities, including metrology and alignment for telescope and sensor integration
- Perform warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and end-to-end instruments
- Develop and analyze test plans and measured data for system calibration and alignment
- Develop test software and electrical ground support equipment for characterization and automation of testing
- Manage optomechanical manufacturing activities such as bonding and fixturing
- Lead the design, testing, and operation of imaging payloads
- Collaborate with external partners to transfer imaging expertise and provide technical oversight of vendors
Requirements
- Six (6) years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or space-based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes.
- Three (3) years of relevant experience in assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments, telescopes, and or optics in fields such as defense, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or related.
- Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Zemax, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance.
- Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively.
- First-hand experience working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators.
- Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries.
- Experience in driving the definition and execution of Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
- Experience in manufacturing and production environments, including New Product Implementation (NPI).
- Practical experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Application of knowledge to coordinate and execute key optical manufacturing activities, such as optical metrology and alignment activities for telescope and sensor integration and troubleshooting.
- Understanding and executing warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and end-to-end instruments.
- Ability to write test plans and perform analysis of measured data for alignment and calibration of imaging systems.
- Experience developing and expanding upon test software and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) for the characterization and automation of alignment and performance testing.
- Experience coordinating and performing optomechanical manufacturing activities, such as bonding and fixturing.
- Ability to organize and participate in integration test activities in cleanroom environments.
- Providing technical oversight of external vendors.
- Experience with space flight program lifecycle stages including design, assembly, integration, test, or flight operations of imaging or camera hardware.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Home Office Reimbursement
Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
Equity
Commuter Benefits if local to an office
Discretionary short-term and long-term incentives bonus and equity
Salary range: 162,600 - 203,200 USD (based on experience, skills, and location)
Ready to Apply?
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