Optical Engineer I — Space Optics & Instruments

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 109,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare program

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks an Optical Engineer I to join the Optical Engineering group. You will design and develop optical instruments and systems for planetary probes and Earth-observing remote sensing platforms, translating requirements into realizable hardware and algorithms.

The role emphasizes collaboration, system-level thinking, and hands-on instrument development. A Bachelor's in Optical Engineering or Physics with related experience is required; a Master’s

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

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems.
• Lead alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.
• Develop optical hardware and software enabling advanced flight sensors and spectrometers.

Skills

Matlab

Python

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering/Physics

Master’s degree

Tools

NX

Zemax

CODE-V

IDL

LabVIEW

Solidworks

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks an Optical Engineer I to join the Optical Engineering group. You will design and develop optical instruments and systems for planetary probes and Earth-observing remote sensing platforms, translating requirements into realizable hardware and algorithms.

The role emphasizes collaboration, system-level thinking, and hands-on instrument development. A Bachelor's in Optical Engineering or Physics with related experience is required; a Master’s