Computational Optics Engineer

Cosmic Frontier Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Cosmic Frontier Labs in San Francisco is seeking a computational optics engineer to model, simulate, and improve the imaging performance of our space telescopes, translating models into buildable hardware for on‑orbit performance.

You will stand up a Python‑based simulation pipeline, define a performance budget, and help close the loop between design, build, and test in an early-stage spaceflight environment.

Qualifications

• Strong education in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 4+ years building imaging performance models for real hardware.
• Hands-on experience with wavefront and image modeling, PSF/MTF/WFE budgets, tolerancing, stray light analysis.
• Ability to build Python simulation pipelines and translate models into actionable design decisions.
• Proven track record correlating models to lab data and closing the loop between design, build, and test.

Responsibilities

• Build and own wavefront and image performance models (PSF, MTF, WFE budgets) for design decisions.
• Work on stray light modeling, tolerancing, and reconstruction methods to boost performance.
• Correlate models to lab data, define acceptance tests, and connect design, build, and test.

Skills

Wavefront modeling

Image modeling

Python scripting

Lab data correlation

Tolerancing

Stray light analysis

Design decisions

Reconstruction methods

System performance analysis

Education

Optical Engineering / Physics degree

Tools

Python

Job description

Cosmic Frontier’s mission is to dramatically expand access to high performance space telescopes, democratize the scientific process, and build tools for exploring the Universe.

Cosmic Frontier team members own the full lifecycle of spaceflight hardware and software, from early architecture through flight. We build and fly real hardware. The systems you build will go to orbit within the next two years.

Role Description:

We’re looking for a computational optics engineer to model, simulate, and improve the imaging performance of our space telescopes, and to connect those models to what we build and measure.

If you love turning physics into capability and can translate models into buildable hardware, we want to talk.

What you’ll do:

• Build and own wavefront and image performance models (PSF, MTF, WFE budgets) and make them useful for design decisions
• Work on stray light modeling, tolerancing, and reconstruction methods where they actually buy performance
• Correlate models to lab data, define acceptance tests, and help close the loop between design, build, and test

What Success looks like in the first 90 days:

• Stand up a v1 simulation pipeline in Python that produces the metrics we will track program wide
• Deliver a v1 performance and stability budget and identify the top sensitivity drivers
• Define an optical verification plan that ties lab measurements to on orbit performance

Required qualifications:

• Strong education background in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, plus 4 or more years building and owning imaging performance models for real hardware
• Strong hands on experience with wavefront and image modeling, including PSF, MTF, WFE budgets, tolerancing, and stray light analysis
• Proven ability to build simulation pipelines in Python and turn models into actionable design decisions
• Track record of correlating models to lab data and closing the loop between design, build, and test

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with space based or high performance optical systems, ideally telescopes or remote sensing payloads
• Background in stability analysis and performance budgeting across thermal, structural, and optical domains
• Familiarity with reconstruction methods or computational imaging techniques that improve system level performance
• Comfortable operating in an early stage environment where you define processes, move fast, and own outcomes
• Medical, dental, vision, reproductive healthcare, HSA/FSA, life and disability insurance, One Medical.
• 401(k), education benefits, cell phone and Wi-Fi reimbursement, one-time work-from-home stipend, commuter benefits, wellness programs.

Export control:

Due to the nature of the products and information handled in this role, employment is restricted to U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. export control laws.

Salary Band:

• L4: $120,000 – $160,000
• L5: $170,000 – $250,000

Diversity and Inclusion:

We encourage anyone who is excited about this role to apply, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. We value builders with strong judgment, high ownership, and a track record of making complex systems work in the real world.

Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce is critical to our success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Cosmic Frontier Labs is a Program and Operating Division of the Renaissance Philanthropy Fund. Renaissance Philanthropy is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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