Optical Engineer V & Director, High-Contrast Imaging Center

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 283,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellbeing programs

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Retirement plans

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Optical Engineer V to lead advanced optical system design and to serve as Director of the High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence.

The 3-year renewable assignment places you at the forefront of starlight suppression technologies, guiding cross-functional teams, defining roadmaps, and shaping mission concepts while mentoring scientists and engineers across the center.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of internationally recognized expertise in space- or ground-based high-contrast imaging.
• Proven ability to influence major instrumentation roadmaps and lead matrix teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication for large audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.
• Define long-term technology roadmap for high-contrast imaging; champion investments and partnerships.

Skills

Optical engineering

High-contrast imaging

Strategic advisory

Leadership & diplomacy

Education

Bachelors in Optical Engineering, Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering or related physics (12+ yrs)

Masters in similar disciplines (10+ yrs)

Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering or related physics (8+ yrs)

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Optical Engineer V to lead advanced optical system design and to serve as Director of the High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence.

The 3-year renewable assignment places you at the forefront of starlight suppression technologies, guiding cross-functional teams, defining roadmaps, and shaping mission concepts while mentoring scientists and engineers across the center.