Lead Optics Engineer — Large-Format, Hybrid, Equity

Observable Space; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Equity Opportunities

Flexible Work Environment

Unlimited PTO

Health & Wellness

Cutting-Edge Tools

Mission-Driven Culture

Inclusive Team

Job summary

Observable Space in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the fabrication and metrology of large-format optical components, including elements >400 mm in diameter. You will own process development, measurement methods, and yield optimization in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

The role requires deep experience in precision optical fabrication, interferometry, and robust process controls, with collaboration across mechanical, optomechanical, and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical field related to optics.
• 5+ years in a precision optical manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of optical fabrication processes (grinding, polishing, figuring).
• Experience manufacturing large or challenging refractive optics.
• Experience developing optical metrology systems and measurement methods.
• Experience with interferometry and precision optical measurement techniques.
• Ability to translate requirements into manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Strong understanding of materials, surface specs, and optical tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and manufacturing of large-format optical components (>400 mm).
• Develop manufacturing processes for grinding, polishing, coating, and cleaning.
• Design custom metrology systems, tooling, fixtures, and test methods.
• Define metrology strategies for surface figure, wavefront error, and quality.
• Establish SPC and process capability; drive yield improvements.
• Analyze data to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with designers to ensure manufacturability of prescriptions.
• Support materials, coatings, and supplier qualification.
• Lead problem solving for defects and nonconformances.
• Create acceptance criteria and manufacturing docs; transition to production.
• Mentor engineers and technicians; establish best practices.

Skills

Optical engineering

Metrology

Interferometry

SPC

Yield improvement

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

Job description

Observable Space in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the fabrication and metrology of large-format optical components, including elements >400 mm in diameter. You will own process development, measurement methods, and yield optimization in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

The role requires deep experience in precision optical fabrication, interferometry, and robust process controls, with collaboration across mechanical, optomechanical, and systems teams.