Principal Optical Systems Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal Optical Systems Engineer (Aerospace): Designing and deploying large-scale optical payloads for high-power satellites with an accent on system architecture, high-volume manufacturing, and electro-optical sensing. Focus on transitioning from architectural trade studies to mass production and ensuring reliability in harsh space environments.

Location: Los Angeles, CA. Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR or eligible for an export control license.

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

Company

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

What you will do

• Lead the design, manufacture, and test of optical payloads across the full product life cycle.
• Develop system architectures, SNR budgets, and specific models for stray light and fiber coupling.
• Oversee detailed optical design, tolerancing, and environmental qualification and reliability testing.
• Manage technical relationships with vendors and external partners to transition to volume manufacturing.
• Establish factory layouts, work instructions, and end-of-line tests for in-house fabrication.
• Mentor junior engineers and forecast staffing needs to ensure delivery on schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Computer Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of optical systems.
• Proven expertise in high-volume manufacturing and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Deep knowledge of electro-optical sensing technologies, including focal plane arrays and photodiodes.
• Understanding of electrical, mechanical, and optical failure modes in space environments.
• Must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, Green Card holder, 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.
• Company equity.
• Life insurance.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, groundbreaking space startup environment.