Lead Optical Payloads Engineer for Space Systems

Nova Solvers; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Solvers is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads and sensing systems for space-based applications. This role develops optical architectures, performs system-level analyses, and supports hardware integration from concept through flight qualification.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in optical system design, imaging payloads, and environmental qualification, with experience in aerospace, defense, or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing optical systems, imaging payloads, or remote sensing instruments.
• Experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing optical systems.
• Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of geometric optics, diffraction, radiometry, image quality, and optical tolerancing.
• Experience supporting optical integration, alignment, and verification activities.
• Experience developing engineering documentation, analyses, and technical reports.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of optical payloads, imaging systems, and remote sensing instruments.
• Develop optical system architectures, performance budgets, and design requirements.
• Perform optical analyses including resolution, radiometric performance, stray light, signal-to-noise ratio, and image quality assessments.
• Support optical design activities using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or equivalent software.
• Define and manage optical requirements, interfaces, and verification plans.
• Support optical component selection, procurement, and supplier coordination.
• Develop alignment, calibration, and integration procedures for optical systems.
• Support environmental qualification including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing.
• Conduct root-cause investigations and anomaly resolution during integration and test.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, electrical, firmware, and mission engineering teams.
• Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and proposal development activities.
• Generate engineering documentation, analyses, test procedures, and verification reports.

Skills

Optical engineering

Imaging payloads

System-level analysis

Technical communication

Environmental qualification

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or Ph.D. (optional)

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

LightTools

Job description

Nova Solvers is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads and sensing systems for space-based applications. This role develops optical architectures, performs system-level analyses, and supports hardware integration from concept through flight qualification.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in optical system design, imaging payloads, and environmental qualification, with experience in aerospace, defense, or