Optical Engineer IV

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 185,952 - 226,720; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Wellbeing plans

Retirement plans

Paid time off and flexible schedule

Parental leave

Childcare benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory is looking for an Optical Engineer to join their Instruments and Communications Division. The role involves supporting the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers, with significant responsibilities in technology development and optical system design.

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in related fields are encouraged to apply. The position offers competitive compensation, with a typical range of $185,952 to $226,720 annually, alongside generous benefits including health plans and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• 9 years of related experience required for Bachelor's degree holders.
• 7 years for Master's degree and 5 years for PhD holders.
• Experience developing hardware from concept to operational use.

Responsibilities

• Support design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers.
• Contribute to the development of novel optical systems.
• Conduct detailed trade studies and develop performance error budgets.

Skills

Ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax

Post-processing using CODE V macro language

Python

Matlab

Strong communication skills

Optical alignment

Technology development

Creating optical error budgets

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

CODE V

Zemax

Python

Matlab

Job description

Responsibilities

The Instruments and Communications Division (36) develops and infuses technologies enabling advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications across the full electromagnetic spectrum—from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line includes quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers, and other in‑situ instruments, as well as ground and space‑based RF and optical systems. You will support the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers within the Optical Engineering group (364C). Key tasks include contributing to development of novel telescopes, spectrometers, and cameras; conducting detailed trade studies; developing requirements and performance error budgets; and participating in large‑team studies of optical system design, opto‑mechanical design, analysis, testing, and calibration.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with 9 years of related experience, or master’s degree with 7 years of related experience, or PhD with 5 years of related experience.

Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax and extensive post‑processing of results using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and/or Matlab.

Knowledge of multiple technical subject areas with significant expertise in technology development, telescopes, imaging spectrometers, and lenses.

Experience creating optical error budgets and practically applying advanced measurement principles for complex technologies.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting results to large audiences, and the ability to interact cooperatively with multiple levels of JPL management and the technical and business workforce.

Experience developing hardware from concept through operational use, with practical advanced knowledge in hardware integration, optical alignment, and state‑of‑the‑art measurement techniques.

Ability to apply for a security clearance.

Preferred Skills

Extensive knowledge of JPL flight project practices and design principles.

Experience with space optics and radiometric modelling.

Hands‑on experience in hardware integration, optical alignment, and state‑of‑the‑art measurement techniques.

Experience managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision plans
• Wellbeing plans
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off and flexible schedule
• Parental leave, rideshare, and childcare benefits
• Learning and development opportunities

Compensation

Typical full‑time equivalent annual hiring range for this role in Pasadena, California: $185,952 – $226,720.

EEO Statement

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and a nondiscrimination provider. EEO is the Law.