Optical Engineer (Space)

Location: San Diego, United States. Applicants must be a US Person and eligible to obtain required export authorizations under ITAR and EAR regulations.

Salary: $135,000–$185,000 base salary per year, depending on experience, skills, and location.

Company

Voyager Technology Systems develops mission-critical defense, national security, and space technology solutions, including space-rated cameras, star trackers, and laser communications systems.

What you will do

• Decompose optical requirements and develop verification plans.
• Perform optical performance, stray light, STOP, and radiometric analyses using FRED and related tools.
• Design precision optical systems in Zemax OpticStudio, including tolerancing, Monte Carlo analysis, and thermal modeling.
• Create optical element and assembly drawings, manufacturing documentation, and alignment instructions.
• Design and fabricate test hardware such as star stimulators and collimator sources.
• Develop optical test plans and procedures for high-performance optical sensors.

Requirements

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related STEM field, with 7+ years of relevant experience; an advanced degree may qualify with 5+ years.
• 7+ years of experience designing and delivering precision imaging or laser optical systems.
• Expert proficiency in Zemax OpticStudio and experience taking designs through tolerancing, drawing release, build, and test.
• Knowledge of optical tolerancing, design for manufacturability, optical drawings, and manufacturing or assembly documentation.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD and proficiency in Python for data reduction, test automation, and analysis.
• Willingness to work hands-on in an optics laboratory and cleanroom environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with space or other high-reliability systems.
• Familiarity with CMOS image sensor characterization, star tracker architectures, and camera calibration models.
• Experience transitioning prototypes to high-rate production.
• Experience resolving complex technical issues with cross-functional teams and managing evolving customer requirements.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible Time Off to support work-life balance.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Wellness programs, voluntary benefits, and employee support resources.
• Work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.