Senior Space Optics Engineer | Imaging & Payloads

Industrious Ventures; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

Highly Competitive PTO and Holidays

Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Job summary

Space Kinetic is seeking a Senior Optics Engineer to own the design, integration, and qualification of optical and optomechanical systems for spacecraft. This hands-on role requires taking complex optics from architecture through alignment and flight-ready production.

The candidate has 7+ years in optical hardware, strong optics knowledge, and proficiency in Zemax/CODE V with Python/MATLAB/C++. Onsite in El Segundo, CA with opportunities for mission-focused impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field related to optics or photonics.
• 7+ years designing, integrating and testing optical hardware.
• Experience taking optical assemblies from concept to qualification.
• Strong knowledge of optics, radiometry, and tolerance analysis.
• Proficiency with optical design software and hands-on metrology.

Responsibilities

• Own optical and optomechanical systems from requirements through production.
• Design and analyze imaging, sensing, laser, infrared, or free-space optical systems.
• Develop prescriptions, models, error budgets, and tolerance analyses.
• Design lenses, detectors, mounts, windows, and precision hardware.
• Create alignment, calibration, metrology, and automated test methods.
• Plan environmental qualification tests (vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
• Analyze test data and lead anomaly investigations with corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and supplier teams.

Skills

7+ years optical design experience

Geometric/wave optics

Optical performance budgeting

Optical alignment/calibration/metrol

Python/MATLAB/C++ for modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering / related field

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

Python

MATLAB

C++

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Job description

Space Kinetic is seeking a Senior Optics Engineer to own the design, integration, and qualification of optical and optomechanical systems for spacecraft. This hands-on role requires taking complex optics from architecture through alignment and flight-ready production.

The candidate has 7+ years in optical hardware, strong optics knowledge, and proficiency in Zemax/CODE V with Python/MATLAB/C++. Onsite in El Segundo, CA with opportunities for mission-focused impact.