Senior Optical Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Conduct thorough stray light analysis using FRED to assess and reduce out-of-field stray light, scattering, ghosting, and thermal self-emission within intricate infrared optical assemblies.

• Design and evaluate custom optical coatings and surface treatments to optimize transmission/reflectance and ensure environmental durability for our multispectral IR instruments.

• Act as the main technical liaison with specialized vendors of optical components.

• Lead R&D projects aimed at enhancing internal capabilities in innovative coating technologies, filter durability in extreme environments (e.g., TVAC, radiation), and advanced optical materials.

• Develop test plans employing metrology setups (e.g., spectrophotometry, scatterometry/BRDF measurements) to validate vendor deliverables and assess component-level spectral and scatter performance.

• Collaborate with optical and mechanical designers to refine and improve baffle designs, surface finishes, and optomechanical configurations based on detailed stray light analysis.

⛳️ Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering or physics discipline, or an equivalent level of experience.

• Over 5 years of experience in developing optical systems, specifically concentrating on stray light analysis, optical coatings, and component sourcing.

• Proficient in non-sequential ray tracing and stray light analysis software (e.g., FRED, LightTools).

• Familiarity with thin-film coating design and analysis tools (e.g., TFCalc, Essential Macleod, OptiLayer).

• Demonstrated success in defining stringent technical specifications for optical components and effectively managing external vendors from initial concept to hardware delivery.

• Practical experience with metrology equipment used to characterize optical coatings, filters, and scattering (e.g., spectrophotometers, scatterometers, ellipsometers, interferometers).

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis, automation, and processing vendor test data.

• Ability to obtain security clearance is strongly preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equity compensation

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401k retirement plan

• Short & long-term disability and life insurance

• Three weeks of paid vacation for new employees

• 12 paid holidays

• Unlimited sick time

• Paid parental leave