Senior Optical Engineer: Telescope Systems Lead

National Solar Observatory; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG will lead the design, analysis, and integration of telescope and instrument optical systems, ensuring performance meets stringent scientific requirements while remaining manufacturable and alignable. Based in Boulder, CO on the University of Colorado campus, this role links design to construction and commissioning.

You will develop DRDs, manage tolerances and wavefront budgets, coordinate with vendors, oversee CoDR and PDR activities, and contribute to cost

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or related field.
• 7–10 years of optical system design, analysis, and engineering project management.
• Proven experience designing complex optical systems for telescopes or scientific instruments.
• Strong analytical skills including wavefront budgeting and stray light analysis.
• Experience with optical tolerancing, alignment procedures, and verification/validation planning.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration with vendors and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and Zemax.

Responsibilities

• Write optical Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for telescope and instrument assemblies.
• Develop optical interface requirements for telescope and instrument systems.
• Maintain optical specifications and drawings per ISO 10110 standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks related to optical systems.
• Lead optical system sections of CoDR and PDR and prepare presentations.
• Prepare specifications and statements of work for optical fabrication and coating contracts.

Skills

Optical design

Wavefront budgeting

Tolerancing

Project management

Vendor oversight

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering / physics / astronomy

Tools

SolidWorks

Zemax

Job description

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG will lead the design, analysis, and integration of telescope and instrument optical systems, ensuring performance meets stringent scientific requirements while remaining manufacturable and alignable. Based in Boulder, CO on the University of Colorado campus, this role links design to construction and commissioning.

You will develop DRDs, manage tolerances and wavefront budgets, coordinate with vendors, oversee CoDR and PDR activities, and contribute to cost