Sr. Optical Engineer

Malin Space Science Systems is seeking a Sr. Optical Engineer to lead the design, assembly, and verification of optics for space camera systems. This onsite role in San Diego, CA focuses on visible, infrared, and UV optics, while overseeing optics subcontracts and calibration and metrology workflows to ensure mission requirements are met. The position offers a salary range of $145,000 - $165,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Specify optical system requirements to align with high level mission objectives.
• Develop both conceptual and detailed flight designs for camera optics.
• Manage glass procurement and sustain production lifecycles through to delivery.
• Engineer for athermalization and stray light minimization.
• Perform Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) analysis.
• Develop calibration plans to verify mission requirements, including focus/MTF, flat field imaging, radiometry and spectral response, distortion and camera models, and boresight alignment.
• Write performance specifications and statements of work for optical subcontracts.
• Manage subcontractors responsible for optical processing, fabrication, and assembly.
• Present findings and designs at design reviews.
• Enter assembly, test, storage or development areas with required ESD training and ongoing annual refreshers prior to unescorted access.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics; Masters or PhD preferred.
• 8-10 years minimum of relevant experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with ZEMAX optical design software.
• Familiarity with optics assembly techniques for space-based optical systems.
• Experience with radiation-hardened optical design.
• Experience with collimation measurement techniques.
• Experience with laser interferometric measurement of wavefront error.
• Experience with radiometric calibration.
• Knowledge of visible and infrared sensor physics and performance limitations.
• Experience with boresight alignment and metrology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical issues and ideas to peers, management, and customer representatives.

Technologies

• ZEMAX

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to comprehend and communicate complex technical and engineering concepts.
• Ability to remain in a seated position while operating a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment, wearing outer garments such as smock/coveralls, shoe covers, mask, hood, and gloves.
• Ability to move around in a lab space.
• Capability to handle high stress levels associated with multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and shifting expectations.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload.

Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.