Instrument Development Engineer (Space Systems)

TL;DR

Instrument Development Engineer (Space Systems): Supporting the production of infrared remote sensing instruments with an accent on assembly, integration, and testing. Focus on executing high-precision optical alignment, system-level verification, and environmental testing for LEO satellite constellations.

Location: Mountain View, CA. Must be a U.S. person (Citizen, Green Card, etc.) due to ITAR/EAR export control regulations.

Salary: $159,000 - $223,000

Company

End-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical Earth Intelligence.

What you will do

• Plan and develop procedures for the assembly and alignment of complex optomechanical systems, defining build flows and strategies.
• Execute high-precision optical alignment and integration, including critical bonding and scan mirror calibration.
• Support system-level Verification and Validation (V&V) and radiometric calibration activities.
• Conduct subsystem and instrument-level functional, performance, and environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, thermal stress).
• Collaborate with subsystem engineers, spacecraft systems teams, AI&T, and external partners.
• Drive the continuous improvement of best practices, tools, and methodologies in instrument development.

Requirements

• B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with system integration of complex optomechanical systems in cleanroom environments.
• Proficiency with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment (interferometers, EO/IR collimators, laser trackers).
• Experience performing data analysis using Python.
• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) to comply with export control regulations.

Nice to have

• Experience with optical design and analysis software (Zemax, Code V, FRED).
• CAD modeling skills, preferably with SolidWorks.
• Experience supporting integrated spacecraft testing and launch campaigns.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive equity grants in addition to base salary.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement plan, short/long term disability, and life insurance.
• Three weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, and unlimited sick time.
• Paid parental leave.