Principal Optical Amplifier / Laser Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal Optical Amplifier / Laser Engineer (Aerospace): Designing and manufacturing high-power lasers and optical amplifiers for advanced satellite payloads with an accent on system architecture, environmental qualification, and reliability risks. Focus on developing space-qualified fiber lasers and scaling manufacturing processes for deep space missions.

Location: Los Angeles, CA. Must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by ITAR (Citizen, Green Card holder, etc.)

Salary: $190,000 - $280,000 + equity

Company

hirify.global is a Series C startup building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown for missions ranging from LEO to deep space.

What you will do

• Define the development, design, manufacture, and deployment of high-power lasers and amplifiers for active optical payloads.
• Manage system architecture, optical design, and performance budgets.
• Perform electro-optical-thermal modeling, lifetime analysis, and mitigation of nonlinear and reliability risks.
• Lead vendors and external partners for component qualification, supply-chain development, and transition to volume manufacturing.
• Conduct laboratory characterization, system-level validation, and mission readiness tests.
• Develop factory layouts, work instructions, and end-of-line tests for in-house fabrication and assembly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of fiber and free-space lasers and optical amplifiers.
• Deep knowledge of optical amplifier and laser technologies (OPA, SOA, QCL, etc.).
• Expertise in fiber manufacturing and processing equipment (splicing, tapering, end-capping, lensing).
• Experience conducting environmental acceptance and qualification test campaigns on optical assemblies.
• Must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, etc.) or eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and paid parental leave.
• Life insurance.
• Equity stake in the company.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, groundbreaking aerospace startup environment.