Optical Engineer V — Director, High-Contrast Imaging

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL); United States; On-site; USD 230,000 - 283,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California is seeking an Optical Engineer V to lead the detailed optical system design and opto-mechanical engineering for advanced ground and space instruments within the Optics & Spectroscopy Section.

In addition, you will serve a renewable three-year term as Director of the High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence, shaping the long-term technology roadmap for starlight suppression and guiding cross‑functional teams toward mission-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of internationally recognized expertise in high-contrast imaging.
• Experience with space- or ground-based instrumentation roadmaps and programs.
• Strong matrix leadership, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis, and implementation of advanced ground and space-based optical systems.
• Oversee alignment, test, and calibration of complex optical instruments and systems.
• Drive system architecture, concept definition, and R&D of optics-related technologies.
• Define and champion the long-term technology roadmap for high-contrast imaging; advise on priorities.
• Mentor senior scientists and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Optical engineering

High-contrast imaging

System design

Leadership

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Optical Engineering

M.S. in Optical/Astrophysics/Aerospace

B.S. in Optical Engineering/Physics

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California is seeking an Optical Engineer V to lead the detailed optical system design and opto-mechanical engineering for advanced ground and space instruments within the Optics & Spectroscopy Section.

In addition, you will serve a renewable three-year term as Director of the High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence, shaping the long-term technology roadmap for starlight suppression and guiding cross‑functional teams toward mission-ready solutions.