Optical Alignment Engineer - Space Imaging Systems

Space Dynamics Laboratory

North Logan (UT)

On-site

USD 124,000 - 165,000

Full time

8 days ago

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory seeks a mid-level Optical Alignment Engineer to join our Civil & Commercial Space Division in Utah. You will contribute to the design, development, test, and fielding of advanced space electro-optical systems, mentoring engineers and leading alignment analyses across UV to IR wavelengths.

The role requires expertise in optical alignment tools, interferometers, CGHs, Zemax/CODE V, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security clearance.
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in an appropriate field (e.g., optical sciences, optical engineering, optomechanical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics)
10+ years relevant full-time work experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 8+ years with a master’s degree, or 4+ years with a PhD
Subject matter expert in optical alignment and optical alignment tools and methods
Experience performing optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging and non-imaging systems including all optical elements (mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors)
Experience with optical image quality test methods including WFE, line of site alignment, point spread function, focus, vignetting
Experience writing optical alignment plans/procedures
Experience with optical alignment and metrology equipment such as interferometers, CGHs, laser trackers, theodolites, etc.
Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and space environment effects of optical system
A track record of successful collaborations with teams of engineers
Strong verbal and written communication skills with proven experience giving technical presentations
Demonstrated proficiency communicating clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds
Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
Willingness to support occasional travel to support programs
Ability to effectively work both individually and within a team environment
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
Ability to lead small teams to complete projects or proposal efforts
Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior engineers

Responsibilities

Mentors optical engineers in alignment methods, error budgets, and error analysis and tools
Conducts trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment
Supports optical design with alignment and manufacturing error budgeting methods
Performs optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging and non-imaging systems including all optical elements (mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors)
Performs optical testing including WFE, line of site alignment, point spread function, focus, vignetting
Writes optical integration plans/procedures
Supports system level planning, testing, and verification/calibration
Vendor sub-contract management including lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings
Investigates and advises on the feasibility of new projects
Works closely with other engineers encompassing a broad range of disciplines (mechanical, electrical, systems, contamination, calibration, quality)
Identifies and recommends new alignment methods, tools, and appropriate training to increase SDL’s capabilities
May take a leadership role in design reviews and larger proposal efforts