Space Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology in Lab

Cowboy Space Corp.; San Carlos; On-site; ARS 219,610,000 - 265,047,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. in San Carlos, CA, is seeking an Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology, to design and execute optical tests for laser and communications hardware across satellite integration. You will build test setups, align optics, collect data, and convert results into actionable insights for the design team.

The role emphasizes lab work, test automation, and collaboration with photonics and laser engineers, with opportunities to lead test campaigns and travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on optics lab experience.
• Bench-level precision optical alignment experience.
• Experience with standard optical test equipment (meters, OSAs, scopes, beam profilers).
• Foundational knowledge of Gaussian beams, fiber coupling, polarization, interferometry.
• Experience analyzing measurement data using Python or similar.

Responsibilities

• Build and operate optical test setups for free-space, fiber, and interferometric components.
• Measure optical performance and reduce data into clear results.
• Develop test plans with lead engineers and execute them.
• Support testing through integration stages of hardware and SAT.
• Operate OSAs, power meters, scopes, BER testers, beam profilers, interferometers.
• Write scripts to automate measurements and data analysis.
• Investigate anomalies and feed findings back to design.
• Support field campaigns including PAT validation.
• Follow laser safety procedures and maintain calibration logs.
• Domestic and international travel up to 10%.

Skills

Optics lab experience

Precision optical alignment

Optical test equipment

Python data analysis

Laser safety practices

Gaussian beams/interferometry

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optics/Physics/EE

Master's or PhD in Optics/Photonic

Tools

OSAs

Power meters

Oscilloscopes

Beam profilers

Interferometers

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. in San Carlos, CA, is seeking an Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology, to design and execute optical tests for laser and communications hardware across satellite integration. You will build test setups, align optics, collect data, and convert results into actionable insights for the design team.

The role emphasizes lab work, test automation, and collaboration with photonics and laser engineers, with opportunities to lead test campaigns and travel up to 10%.