Senior Optical Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Senior Optical Engineer (Aerospace): Developing infrared remote sensing instruments for LEO satellite constellations with an accent on stray light control and optical transmission optimization. Focus on analytical modeling of stray light, specifying complex thin-film coatings, and validating spectral filter performance.

Location: Hybrid in Mountain View, CA (must be on-site 3 days per week). Must be a U.S. person (Citizen, Green Card, etc.) due to ITAR/EAR requirements.

Salary: $166,000 - $223,000

Company

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

What you will do

• Perform comprehensive stray light analysis using FRED to mitigate scatter, ghosting, and thermal self-emission.
• Specify custom optical coatings and surface treatments to maximize transmission for multispectral IR instruments.
• Manage technical relationships with specialized optical component vendors from concept through hardware delivery.
• Lead R&D on novel coating technologies and filter survivability in harsh environments (TVAC, radiation).
• Define and execute test plans using spectrophotometry and scatterometry to verify component performance.
• Collaborate with optical and mechanical designers to optimize baffle designs and optomechanical layouts.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in engineering or physics.
• 5+ years of experience in optical systems development, focusing on stray light analysis and coatings.
• Expertise in non-sequential ray tracing software such as FRED or LightTools.
• Proficiency in thin-film design software (TFCalc, Essential Macleod, or OptiLayer).
• Hands-on experience with metrology equipment for characterizing coatings and scatter.
• Software proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and automation.

Nice to have

• Experience working in cleanroom environments and handling sensitive optical components.
• Deep understanding of infrared materials and the impacts of cryogenic temperatures on coatings.
• Exposure to systems engineering, specifically requirements development and radiometric error budgeting.

Culture & Benefits

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