Optical Systems Engineer: Free-Space Navigation (Visible/IR)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Engineer to own free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for an advanced navigation sensor combining a visible camera and IR sensing. You will lead optics, detectors, and mechanical enclosures, ensuring rugged performance for spaceflight environments and high-volume production.

You will analyze assemblies, define processes, and contribute to mission-critical navigation applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related field.
• 2+ years hands-on optics, photonics, imaging, IR sensing, or related design/testing experience.
• 1+ years programming in C++, MATLAB, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation of visible camera and IR sensor architectures.
• Define requirements for high-performance optical/IR navigation sensors in challenging environments.
• Lead optical architecture definition through trade studies, COOP definitions, and risk-reduction testing.
• Drive detailed trades across optical, IR, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing constraints for high-volume production.
• Design next-generation optical/IR sensor hardware for high-rate manufacturing.
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure designs are manufacturable.

Skills

Optical design

Photonics

Imaging

Python

C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering/physics

Tools

Zemax

Lab testing tools

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Engineer to own free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for an advanced navigation sensor combining a visible camera and IR sensing. You will lead optics, detectors, and mechanical enclosures, ensuring rugged performance for spaceflight environments and high-volume production.

You will analyze assemblies, define processes, and contribute to mission-critical navigation applications.