Manager, Instrument AIT (Space Optical Instruments)

Location: Fully onsite in Mountain View, California, five days per week

Salary: $184,000–$202,000 annually, plus equity and benefits.

Company

hirify.global designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations that deliver mission-critical Earth intelligence and remote sensing data.

What you will do

• Lead, mentor, hire, and coordinate optical integration and test engineers, camera test engineers, and optomechanical technicians.
• Define test architecture standards, automation frameworks, and data-processing pipelines for optical characterization.
• Design, procure, integrate, and validate optical ground support equipment, including collimators, integrating spheres, test sources, and automated test benches.
• Develop and execute precision optomechanical assembly, optical alignment, bonding, and instrument test procedures.
• Translate verification, validation, and calibration requirements into executable tests and lead root-cause investigations.
• Drive thermal vacuum and vibration qualification campaigns while coordinating cleanroom operations, facility scheduling, and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with 3+ years, M.S. with 6+ years, or B.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience in optical engineering, optomechanical engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience leading or executing AIT campaigns for space optical instruments, infrared remote sensing payloads, or complex electro-optical systems.
• Experience with interferometers, collimators, laser trackers, optical test sources, and other precision optical metrology equipment.
• Proficiency in Python for instrument test automation, hardware control, and scientific data analysis.
• Experience planning and executing thermal vacuum and vibration testing in cleanroom environments.
• Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements for access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information; security clearance eligibility is strongly preferred.

Nice to have

• Basic CAD proficiency, preferably SolidWorks, for GSE fixtures, alignment adapters, and handling equipment.
• Experience in matrixed engineering organizations and facility operations.
• Familiarity with Zemax, Code V, and STOP analysis.
• Experience supporting spacecraft-level environmental testing or launch campaigns.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employment with equity compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan, disability coverage, and life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation for new employees, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave.
• Commitment to equal employment opportunity, diversity, and reasonable accommodations.