Optical Scientist

Seti Institute; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SETI Institute seeks an optical scientist to support NASA Ames Exoplanet Technology Group, focusing on PIAA-Vortex coronagraphs and related high-contrast imaging projects in Mountain View, CA. The role includes computer modeling, lab experiments, and collaboration across teams.

The position emphasizes on-site work with hybrid options, requires 1–4 years in relevant labs, and values strong communication and teamwork.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Science, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• 1-4 years of experience in high-contrast imaging labs, with precision alignment and demonstrations.
• Experience with coronagraph modeling, data acquisition/analysis, wavefront control, and astronomy using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Experience with PIAA and/or Vortex coronagraphs is a plus.
• Experience with instruments/missions flown is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Innovate techniques to improve high-contrast imaging performance and maturation.
• Model instruments/missions computationally (Python, MATLAB) including optical propagation and wavefront control.
• Design and conduct lab experiments to characterize throughput, aberration sensitivity, and contrast.
• Write and contribute to scientific papers and grant proposals.
• Present results at workshops and conferences.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Wavefront control

PIAA/Vortex coronagraphs

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

MS/PhD in Optical Science or related field

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Job description

At SETI, we are dedicated to advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe through world-class scientific research, exploration, and discovery. We bring together a brilliant, passionate community of researchers, scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Position Summary

The NASA Ames Exoplanet Technology Group is looking for candidates with bold and innovative ideas to develop unique solutions to challenging problems and to contribute to NASA’s future missions to directly image and spectrally characterize exoplanets. These missions include the Roman space telescope flagship (specifically, the coronagraphic instrument), and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) flagship. As part of this work, there will be potential opportunities for participation on NASA’s Great Observatory Maturation Program (GOMAP) for the HWO, as well as planning, conducting, and proposing for astronomical observations, including supporting a contributed mode for the Roman coronagraphic instrument. The optical scientist will primarily support the Phase Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) Vortex Coronagraph Project. In addition to supporting PIAA-Vortex, the optical scientist will have the opportunity to support other projects at approximately 25% of their time. The position is primarily on-site at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA, with some flexibility for hybrid work.

The successful applicant should have a strong interest in the responsibilities listed in the next section, as well as experience in areas related to at least some of these responsibilities.

Salary Range for this position

$ 85,000 - $110,000 (depending on experience)

Responsibilities

• Innovate and invent techniques to improve performance and/or accelerate the maturation of high contrast imaging technologies. Initially, this will focus on the currently funded PIAA-Vortex coronagraph project, but the successful applicant will have opportunities to contribute to other projects (e.g., Multi-star wavefront control, AstroPIC photonic integrated circuits) and is expected to invent new ones in the longer term.
• Computational modeling of instruments and missions (preferably in Python, MATLAB, and/or other scientific programming languages), including optical propagation, wavefront control, and expected science.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to characterize the performance of high-contrast imaging systems and components, including throughput, aberration sensitivity, and contrast, both on in-air and vacuum testbeds.
• Write and contribute to scientific papers.
• Present results at scientific workshops and conferences.
• Write and contribute to grant proposals.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Science, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 1-4 years of experience in high-contrast imaging laboratories, performing precision alignment of optical elements, and conducting lab demonstrations. (including MS/PhD work).
• Experience with coronagraph modeling, data acquisition and analysis, wavefront control, and astronomy using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Experience with Phase Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) and/or Vortex coronagraphs is a plus
• Experience with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio is a plus.
• Experience with instruments and/or missions that have flown is a significant plus.
• Position is primarily on-site at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA, with some flexibility for hybrid work.
• Must be a US Person as defined under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR § 120.62), as an individual who is a lawful U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a protected individual, such as a refugee or asylee. This is required for this role to enable the employee to access ITAR-restricted information.
• Experience in working in a team environment, ability to work synergistically in collaboration with other researchers/scientists.
• Excellent communications skills.

Physical Requirements

• Perform desk-based computer tasks for extended periods of time.
• Assemble and manipulate optical layouts on a testbed (grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh upto 25 lbs).
• Stand, walk, reach, or work above shoulders and use a telephone.

Diversity and Inclusion

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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