Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Nova Solvers; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Solvers is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads and sensing systems for space-based applications. This role develops optical architectures, performs system-level analyses, and supports hardware integration from concept through flight qualification.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in optical system design, imaging payloads, and environmental qualification, with experience in aerospace, defense, or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing optical systems, imaging payloads, or remote sensing instruments.
• Experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing optical systems.
• Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of geometric optics, diffraction, radiometry, image quality, and optical tolerancing.
• Experience supporting optical integration, alignment, and verification activities.
• Experience developing engineering documentation, analyses, and technical reports.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of optical payloads, imaging systems, and remote sensing instruments.
• Develop optical system architectures, performance budgets, and design requirements.
• Perform optical analyses including resolution, radiometric performance, stray light, signal-to-noise ratio, and image quality assessments.
• Support optical design activities using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or equivalent software.
• Define and manage optical requirements, interfaces, and verification plans.
• Support optical component selection, procurement, and supplier coordination.
• Develop alignment, calibration, and integration procedures for optical systems.
• Support environmental qualification including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing.
• Conduct root-cause investigations and anomaly resolution during integration and test.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, electrical, firmware, and mission engineering teams.
• Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and proposal development activities.
• Generate engineering documentation, analyses, test procedures, and verification reports.

Skills

Optical engineering

Imaging payloads

System-level analysis

Technical communication

Environmental qualification

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or Ph.D. (optional)

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

LightTools

Job description

The Senior Optical Systems Engineer will lead the design, analysis, integration, and qualification of advanced optical payloads and sensing systems that enable next-generation space missions and remote sensing capabilities.

About Nova Solvers

Nova Solvers is an advanced engineering company developing spacecraft, avionics, sensing systems, autonomous technologies, and mission-critical solutions for commercial, civil, defense, and national security customers. Our team specializes in transforming complex challenges into innovative, high-performance systems that operate in the most demanding environments. We are passionate about building technologies that enable the next generation of space missions and defense capabilities.

The Role

Nova Solvers is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads and sensing systems for space-based applications. This role will be responsible for developing optical architectures, performing system-level analyses, supporting hardware integration, and ensuring optical payload performance from concept through flight qualification.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in optical system design, imaging systems, payload integration, and environmental qualification, with experience supporting aerospace, defense, or remote sensing programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of optical payloads, imaging systems, and remote sensing instruments.
• Develop optical system architectures, performance budgets, and design requirements.
• Perform optical analyses including resolution, radiometric performance, stray light, signal-to-noise ratio, and image quality assessments.
• Support optical design activities using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or equivalent software.
• Define and manage optical requirements, interfaces, and verification plans.
• Support optical component selection, procurement, and supplier coordination.
• Develop alignment, calibration, and integration procedures for optical systems.
• Support structural, thermal, and environmental analyses affecting optical performance.
• Perform tolerance analysis and optical performance assessments across operating environments.
• Support payload integration, alignment, and acceptance testing activities.
• Support environmental qualification including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing.
• Conduct root-cause investigations and anomaly resolution during integration and test.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, electrical, firmware, and mission engineering teams.
• Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and proposal development activities.
• Generate engineering documentation, analyses, test procedures, and verification reports.

What We Look For

We are looking for engineers who are passionate about developing advanced sensing capabilities and solving complex optical challenges. Successful candidates combine strong analytical skills with practical hardware experience and can work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing optical systems, imaging payloads, or remote sensing instruments.
• Experience designing, analyzing, integrating, and testing optical systems.
• Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of geometric optics, diffraction, radiometry, image quality, and optical tolerancing.
• Experience supporting optical integration, alignment, and verification activities.
• Experience developing engineering documentation, analyses, and technical reports.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience developing space-based optical payloads or remote sensing instruments.
• Experience with visible, infrared, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, hyperspectral, or multispectral imaging systems.
• Familiarity with optical coatings, detectors, focal plane arrays, and cryogenic systems.
• Experience supporting spacecraft integration and environmental qualification campaigns.
• Familiarity with stray light analysis and optical contamination control.
• Experience with precision opto-mechanical systems and alignment techniques.
• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, intelligence community, or commercial space programs.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance.

What We Offer

At Nova Solvers, you'll work alongside experienced engineers developing advanced technologies that support some of the most challenging missions in space and defense. We provide an environment where individuals can take ownership, contribute directly to mission success, and help build technologies that matter.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary: $175,000 – $275,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.
• Performance-Based Incentive opportunities.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid company holidays.
• Work alongside industry-leading engineers developing advanced space and defense technologies.

This position is primarily onsite and involves optical design, laboratory testing, payload integration, environmental qualification, and spacecraft development activities. Candidates should be comfortable working in laboratories, cleanrooms, integration facilities, and multidisciplinary engineering environments.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to develop advanced optical payloads and sensing systems that enable next-generation space missions, remote sensing capabilities, and autonomous operations. Your work will directly influence the performance and success of mission-critical spacecraft systems.

Our Vision and Values

We believe that innovation happens when talented people are empowered to solve difficult problems. Our culture is built on technical excellence, integrity, ownership, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering solutions that matter.

We Care Deeply About

• Mission Success
• Technical Excellence
• Innovation and Continuous Learning
• Integrity and Accountability
• Teamwork and Respect
• Delivering Real-World Impact

Location

This position is primarily onsite to support payload development, integration, and test activities.

Security & Export Control

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, applicants must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. As a result, applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nova Solvers is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and inclusion. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and believe they strengthen our ability to innovate and solve complex challenges. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.