Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer — Space Sensor Systems

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 188,000 - 336,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in Acton, MA seeks a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance space-based optical sensor systems. You will guide lens design choices, perform tolerancing with cross-functional teams, and drive vendor engagements for hardware delivery.

The role spans UV to infrared sensors, including multispectral and hyperspectral systems, with on-orbit test support and design-for-manufacturability focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in a scientific/technical field with extensive experience depending on degree
• Highly skilled in optical design using CODE V, OSLO, or Zemax
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with STOP analysis and collaboration with thermal/structural engineers
• Experience assembling and aligning reflective and refractive optical systems is desirable

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical designs for space-based electro-optical sensor applications
• Provide leadership and guidance for developing optical design solutions
• Perform tolerancing of optical designs with other engineering disciplines
• Prepare optical design packages for quotation by vendors and interact with suppliers
• Support build, alignment, and testing of optical assemblies
• Mentor staff and transfer advanced optical knowledge to teams

Skills

Optical design

Leadership

Communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific/technical field

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

CODE V

OSLO

Zemax

STOP software

MATLAB

Job description

General Atomics in Acton, MA seeks a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance space-based optical sensor systems. You will guide lens design choices, perform tolerancing with cross-functional teams, and drive vendor engagements for hardware delivery.

The role spans UV to infrared sensors, including multispectral and hyperspectral systems, with on-orbit test support and design-for-manufacturability focus.