Optical Alignment Engineer for Space Sensor Systems

Space Dynamics Laboratory; North Logan (UT); On-site; USD 82,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory in Utah is seeking a mid-level Optical Alignment Engineer to advance space sensor systems from UV to IR. You will work on design, development, testing, and fielding of complex electro‑optical systems and mentor junior engineers.

You’ll conduct trade studies, perform alignment with budgeting methods, and collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams to ensure mission success. Applicants must be U.S. citizens able to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field and 2+ years of relevant full‑time work experience or advanced degree with 0+ years.
• Experience with optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging or non-imaging systems including all optical elements.
• Experience with optical image quality test methods (WFE, LOS, PSF, focus, vignetting).
• Experience writing optical alignment plans/procedures.
• Experience with optical alignment tools and metrology equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conducts trade studies and optical alignment analyses.
• Supports optical design with alignment and budgeting methods.
• Performs optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging and non-imaging systems.
• Performs optical testing including WFE, LOS, PSF, focus, vignetting.
• Writes optical integration plans and procedures.
• Supports system-level testing, verification, and calibration.
• Vendor sub-contract management for lens/mirror fabrication and coatings.
• Mentors junior engineers and may lead design reviews.

Skills

Optical alignment

UV/EO/IR imaging

Team collaboration

Technical presentations

multi-priority management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical sciences/engineering

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in a relevant field

Tools

Interferometers

CGHs

Laser trackers

Theodolites

Zemax/CODE V/FRED

Job description

Space Dynamics Laboratory in Utah is seeking a mid-level Optical Alignment Engineer to advance space sensor systems from UV to IR. You will work on design, development, testing, and fielding of complex electro‑optical systems and mentor junior engineers.

You’ll conduct trade studies, perform alignment with budgeting methods, and collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams to ensure mission success. Applicants must be U.S. citizens able to obtain a security clearance.