Senior Space Optical Engineer - Transceivers & Free-Space

Ephemeris Net; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

401k program

Health care coverage

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Ephemeris Net is seeking an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through our space network. You will handle coherent transceivers and the free‑space optical assembly, including ray tracing, tolerancing, and stray light analysis to close link budgets in orbit.

You will work with a mechanical and electrical team, build hardware for space, and scale to mass manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, applied physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4+ years of hands‑on experience designing or building robust, precision electro‑optical instruments in fiber, free space, or both.
• Working knowledge of coherent detection architectures, free‑space optical design, or laser/fiber systems at component level.
• Proficiency with optical instrumentation (OSAs, power meters, interferometers, collimated beams, wavefront sensors) and RF/microwave test equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble coherent transceiver optics from components.
• Design the free‑space optical assembly including ray tracing and stray light analysis to close on‑orbit budgets.
• Design the fiber optical layout, including alignment fixtures and packaging.
• Own transmit/receive signal chain performance from RF through free‑space and back.

Skills

Hands-on electro‑optical design

Optical instrumentation & RF test gear

Ray tracing & stray light analysis

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering / related field

Tools

OSAs

Power meters

Interferometers

Wavefront sensors

RF network/spectrum analyzers

High-speed oscilloscopes

Job description

Ephemeris Net is seeking an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through our space network. You will handle coherent transceivers and the free‑space optical assembly, including ray tracing, tolerancing, and stray light analysis to close link budgets in orbit.

You will work with a mechanical and electrical team, build hardware for space, and scale to mass manufacturing.