Optical Engineer II: Space Optics & Instrumentation

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 126,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Optical Engineer II to advance optical instruments for planetary probes and remote sensing systems. You will contribute to design, analysis, alignment, and calibration of complex optical assemblies, collaborating across disciplines to ensure robust performance in space environments.

Applicants should have a strong background in optics, adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, and software tools (Matlab/Python).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline; 3+ years (Bachelor) or 1+ year (Master).
• Understanding of adaptive optics algorithms and optical hardware principles.
• Experience in wavefront sensing/control and adaptive optics instrumentation; Matlab or Python proficiency.
• Ability to work well in diverse teams.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and infuse optical instruments and systems for planetary probes and earth observation instruments.
• Design, analyze, align, test, and calibrate optical systems and components.
• Collaborate with the Optical Engineering Group to apply optical technologies to missions.

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing

Matlab

Python

Teamwork

Communication

Word and Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or Physics

Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or Physics

Tools

NX

Zemax

CODE-V

IDL

LabVIEW

SolidWorks

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Optical Engineer II to advance optical instruments for planetary probes and remote sensing systems. You will contribute to design, analysis, alignment, and calibration of complex optical assemblies, collaborating across disciplines to ensure robust performance in space environments.

Applicants should have a strong background in optics, adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, and software tools (Matlab/Python).