Optical Engineer

Voyagertechnologiesinc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Gym memberships

401(k) with company match

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Job summary

Voyager Technology Systems is seeking an Optical Engineer to design and analyze space-grade optical systems, including cameras, star trackers, and laser communications, with hands-on lab work in a cleanroom environment.

You will decompose requirements, plan verifications, and generate manufacturing drawings while using Zemax, FRED, and STOP tools. A strong background in tolerancing, manufacturability, and CAD is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics with 7+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 5 years.
• 7+ years experience designing and delivering precision imaging or laser optical systems.
• Expert-level proficiency in Zemax OpticStudio, including sequential design, tolerancing, Monte Carlo analysis, and thermal modeling
• Proven track record taking an optical design from concept through tolerancing, drawing release, build, and test
• Knowledge of tolerancing and designing for manufacturability
• Experience authoring optical drawings and manufacturing or assembly documentation
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD for opto-mechanical packaging and interface definition
• Proficiency in Python for data reduction, test automation, and analysis
• Willingness to work hands-on in an optics lab and cleanroom environment
• Self-directed person with ability to handle a dynamic work environment

Responsibilities

• Optical requirement decomposition and verification planning
• Optical performance analysis and stray light analysis (using FRED)
• STOP and thermal modeling
• Optical design using Zemax and DOE
• Generate optical element/assembly drawings for manufacturing release
• Create test hardware to validate star-tracking and pointing algorithms
• Develop radiometric analysis and optical test plans/procedures
• Understand testing of high-performance optical sensors

Skills

Optical design

FRED

STOP analysis

Zemax OpticStudio

Python

Tolerancing

Opto-mechanical packaging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics

Advanced degree in related field with 5 years experience

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

SolidWorks

Job description

Voyager Technology Systems is an innovative defense, national security, and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to join our team of designers of cutting‑edge components for space and national security applications, including Space Rated Cameras, Star Trackers, and Laser Communications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Optical requirement decomposition
• Optical requirement verification planning
• Optical performance analysis
• Stray light analysis (using FRED)
• Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis (STOP)
• Optical design (using Zemax)
• Generate optical element and assembly drawings for manufacturing release, and author manufacturing and alignment instructions for production build
• Design and fabricate test hardware, including star stimulators and collimator sources, to validate star-tracking and pointing algorithms
• Radiometric analysis
• Optical test plans development
• Optical test procedure development
• Understanding the testing of high-performance optical sensors

EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• 7+ years of industry experience designing and delivering precision imaging or laser optical systems
• Expert-level proficiency in Zemax OpticStudio, including sequential design, tolerancing, Monte Carlo analysis, and thermal modeling
• Demonstrated success taking an optical design from concept through tolerancing, drawing release, build, and test
• Knowledge of tolerancing and designing for manufacturability
• Experience authoring optical drawings and manufacturing or assembly documentation
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or equivalent CAD for opto‑mechanical packaging and interface definition
• Proficiency in Python for data reduction, test automation, and analysis
• Willingness to work hands‑on in an optics lab and cleanroom environment
• Self‑directive person with ability to handle a dynamic work environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience with space or other high-reliability environment
• Familiarity with CMOS image sensor characterization, star tracker architectures, and camera calibration models
• Experience supporting the transition from prototype to high-rate productionExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment as well as an individual contributor
• Proficient presentation skills and the ability to work with customers and technicians
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues within cross‑functional teams
• Proven track record working with evolving customer requirements

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a US person.

ATTITUDE & ATTRIBUTES:

• Curious, detail‑oriented, and analytical with a proven ability to learn quickly
• Honest, respectful, and Patient
• Ability and willingness to make an impact
• Demonstrated initiative, drive, and interpersonal skills
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment

The good faith base salary rangefor this role is$135,000 - $185,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well‑being, growth, and success of our employees. Employeesbenefitfrom a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well‑being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work‑life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long‑term contracts and FREE on‑demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long‑term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well‑being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission‑driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.