Senior Optical Engineer – Large Optics & Metrology

Observable Space; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity opportunities

Flexible work environment

Unlimited PTO

Health coverage

Cutting-edge tools

Mission-driven culture

Inclusive team

Job summary

Observable Space in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the development, fabrication, metrology, and process control of large-format optical components for advanced telescope systems. The role emphasizes refractive optics >400 mm, with hands-on manufacturing and data-driven problem solving.

You will mentor technicians, collaborate with optical designers, and drive production-ready processes from specification through acceptance, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Optical/Physics/Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years in a precision optical manufacturing environment.
• Experience manufacturing large refractive optical elements (>400 mm).
• Strong experience developing optical metrology systems and measurement methodologies.
• Ability to translate optical requirements into manufacturable processes.
• Proven problem solving using data and first principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and manufacturing of large-format optical components (>400 mm).
• Develop and mature optical manufacturing processes: grinding, polishing, figuring, coating, cleaning, handling, acceptance.
• Design and develop custom metrology systems, tooling, fixtures, and test methods for large optics.
• Define metrology strategies for surface figure, wavefront, thickness, centration, and other specs.
• Establish robust process controls including SPC, yield, and repeatability.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify variation, determine root causes, and drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with optical designers to ensure manufacturability of prescriptions.
• Support development and qualification of materials, coatings, and suppliers.
• Lead technical problem solving for defects, nonconformances, and yield issues.
• Develop acceptance criteria and process documentation.
• Support transition from development to production.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optomechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams.
• Mentor engineers and technicians; establish best practices.

Skills

Optical fabrication

Metrology systems

Interferometry

Process control

SPC

Root cause analysis

Tolerancing

Hands-on manufacturing

Designer collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Optical/Physics/Mechanical Eng

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

Job description

Observable Space in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the development, fabrication, metrology, and process control of large-format optical components for advanced telescope systems. The role emphasizes refractive optics >400 mm, with hands-on manufacturing and data-driven problem solving.

You will mentor technicians, collaborate with optical designers, and drive production-ready processes from specification through acceptance, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance goals