Staff Optical Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Staff Optical Engineer (Aerospace): Developing infrared remote sensing instruments for LEO satellite constellations with an accent on conceptual design, error budgeting, and precision optical metrology. Focus on driving the assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of critical optical subsystems and ensuring performance across environmental extremes.

Location: Hybrid (Mountain View, CA) - Must be a U.S. person per ITAR/EAR regulations

Salary: $184,000 - $223,000

Company

An end-to-end Space Systems Provider designing, building, and operating LEO satellite constellations for Earth Intelligence.

What you will do

• Act as the primary technical lead for the delivery of optical subsystems to the instrument program.
• Manage comprehensive optical error budgets and performance metrics, including image quality, stray light, and radiometric throughput.
• Collaborate with systems engineering to manage thermal constraints and line-of-sight pointing/jitter.
• Define and implement the strategy for optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AI&T).
• Support functional and environmental testing, including vibration and thermal-vacuum (TVAC) stress.
• Drive continuous improvement of testing methodologies and tools to enhance reliability.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience developing imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments.
• Expertise in optical design and analysis using Zemax, Code V, or FRED.
• Extensive hands-on experience with precision optical metrology and AI&T execution.
• Software proficiency in Python or C++ for data analysis and automation.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Must be a U.S. person (citizen, national, green card holder, refugee, or asylee) per ITAR/EAR requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience in systems engineering, specifically requirements development and V&V.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.
• Experience supporting spacecraft-level environmental testing and launch campaigns.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive equity grants.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement plan, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, and unlimited sick time.
• Paid parental leave.