Optical Engineer I

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 109,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, invites applications for an Optical Engineer I within the Optics & Spectroscopy Section. The role focuses on designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes, earth observing remote sensing, and in situ sensing instruments.

You will work as part of a team of engineers and scientists, applying adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, and optical design tools such as Zemax, CODE-V, NX, and LabVIEW.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline with typically 1 year of related work experience; Master’s degree with minimal related experience.
• 1:

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems for planetary probes and instruments.
• 2:
• Align, test and calibrate optical instruments and systems.
• 3:
• Collaborate with a diverse team of engineers and scientists.

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing

Matlab

Python

Teamwork

Communication (written)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or Physics

Master’s degree in related discipline

Tools

NX

Zemax

CODE-V

IDL

LabVIEW

Solidworks

Job description

Responsibilities:

The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum — from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors. We create novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts and mission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop navigational tracking to understand where we are and how to ensure robust engineering and science data return.

The Optics & Spectroscopy Secti on provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

We invite you to join the Optical Engineering group to serve as an Optical Engineer I. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group. The Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems (telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline with typically a minimum of 1 year of related work experience; Master’s degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 0 years of related experience.
• An understanding of adaptive optics algorithms and optical hardware along with underlying principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
• Experience in wavefront sensing and control and or adaptive optics instrumentation. Proficiency in Matlab or Python
• The ability to work well in teams with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets, e.g. Word and Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills:

• Hands‑on experience building optical instruments
• Experience with astronomical observations
• undefined
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: NX, Zemax, CODE‑V, IDL, LabVIEW
• undefined
• Familiarity with optical diffraction and refraction, and a solid mathematics foundation.
• undefined
• Familiarity with polarization
• Familiarity with CAD software, e.g. Solidworks
• Familiarity with JPL processes and practices

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$108,784 - $123,552

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

• EEO is the Law.
• EEO is the Law Supplement
• Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here .