Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer

Cowboy Space; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 223,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays per calendar year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Cowboy Space is seeking an Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer to oversee lab operations and support the development of advanced laser communications systems. This hands-on role requires 3+ years in optical labs, excellent organizational skills, and expertise in laser safety.

As a key contributor, you'll work with engineers on complex builds and alignments while ensuring all lab activities meet safety and operational standards. The position offers substantial salary potential with equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonics lab environment.
• Ability to perform precision optical alignment on a bench.
• Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own lab operations including equipment calibration schedules and inventory.
• Maintain laser safety requirements in coordination with the Laser Safety Officer.
• Assist engineers with setup and alignment of optical assemblies.

Skills

Optical or photonics lab experience

Operating standard optical test equipment

Precision optical alignment

Laser safety requirements knowledge

Strong organizational skills

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optical Technology, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA)

Optical power meters

Oscilloscopes

Beam profilers

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on‑orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space‑to‑earth and space‑to‑space), powering on‑orbit compute to delivering secure, high‑bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co‑founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

About the Role

The Integration & Test team is looking for an Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer to own our optics lab and support the build and verification of our next generation laser communications system. This is a hands‑on role at the center of our hardware development — you will work directly alongside optical and photonics engineers during complex builds, alignments, and verification campaigns. The ideal candidate is technically strong, highly organized, and at home in a high‑power laser lab.

Responsibilities

• Own lab operations including equipment calibration schedules, inventory, and configuration management of test setups.
• Maintain laser safety requirements including interlocks, PPE, and posted procedures in coordination with the Laser Safety Officer.
• Assist engineers with setup and alignment of free‑space optical assemblies, interferometric subassemblies, and fiber‑optic components.
• Support integration and alignment of deployable opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Support field demonstration campaigns including ground station setup, fiber‑optic system checkout, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) system validation.
• Execute formal test procedures and record results accurately.
• Operate test equipment including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, and beam profilers.
• Maintain lab documentation including cable and fiber routing logs, component records, and test configurations.
• Coordinate with facilities on lab infrastructure, power, and safety requirements.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in an optical or photonics lab environment.
• Experience operating standard optical test equipment (OSAs, power meters, oscilloscopes, beam profilers).
• Ability to perform precision optical alignment on a bench.
• Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high‑power fiber laser or amplifier systems.
• Experience handling and assembling precision opto‑mechanical hardware including interferometric or polarization‑sensitive assemblies.
• Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal‑vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.
• Experience managing a shared lab across multiple engineers and programs.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Optical Technology, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $223,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.