Optical Scientist: Exoplanet Imaging & Coronagraphy

SETI; 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 join NASA Ames Exoplanet Technology Group, focusing on high-contrast imaging techniques such as PIAA‑Vortex coronagraphs with opportunities on related projects and NASA missions.

Ideal candidates hold an MS or PhD in Optical Science / Astronomy / Electrical Engineering / Physics, 1–4 years of lab experience, and proficiency in Python and MATLAB. On-site with hybrid flexibility; ITAR requires a US person.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Science, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• 1–4 years of experience in high-contrast imaging laboratories, precision alignment, and lab demonstrations (including MS/PhD work).
• 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.
• Ansys Zemax OpticStudio experience is a plus.
• On-site at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA, with some hybrid work.
• U.S. person for ITAR access.

Responsibilities

• Innovate techniques to improve performance and maturation of high-contrast imaging technologies.
• Model instruments and missions using Python, MATLAB, and other scientific languages.
• Design and conduct lab experiments to characterize high-contrast imaging systems.
• Write and contribute to scientific papers and grant proposals.
• Present results at workshops and conferences.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

teamwork

communication

Education

MS or PhD in Optical Science / Astronomy / Electrical Engineering / Physics

Tools

PIAA

Vortex coronagraphs

Zemax OpticStudio

Job description

The SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA, seeks an optical scientist to join NASA Ames Exoplanet Technology Group, focusing on high-contrast imaging techniques such as PIAA‑Vortex coronagraphs with opportunities on related projects and NASA missions.

Ideal candidates hold an MS or PhD in Optical Science / Astronomy / Electrical Engineering / Physics, 1–4 years of lab experience, and proficiency in Python and MATLAB. On-site with hybrid flexibility; ITAR requires a US person.