Optical Scientist — Exoplanet Imaging & Coronagraphy

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

Job summary

The SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA, seeks an Optical Scientist to develop innovative solutions for high-contrast imaging projects like the PIAA-Vortex coronagraph. This role emphasizes collaboration, computational modeling, and lab experiments.

Candidates should have an MS or PhD in a relevant field and experience in high-contrast imaging. The position offers a salary range of $85,000 to $110,000, with on-site work at NASA Ames Research Center and some flexibility for hybrid arrangements.

Qualifications

• 1-4 years of experience in high-contrast imaging laboratories.
• Experience with coronagraph modeling, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Must be a US Person as per ITAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Innovate techniques to improve high-contrast imaging technologies.
• Computational modeling of instruments and missions.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to characterize systems.

Skills

Optical Science

Python

MATLAB

High-contrast imaging

Team collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Education

MS or PhD in Optical Science, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field

Tools

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio

Job description

The SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA, seeks an Optical Scientist to develop innovative solutions for high-contrast imaging projects like the PIAA-Vortex coronagraph. This role emphasizes collaboration, computational modeling, and lab experiments.

Candidates should have an MS or PhD in a relevant field and experience in high-contrast imaging. The position offers a salary range of $85,000 to $110,000, with on-site work at NASA Ames Research Center and some flexibility for hybrid arrangements.