Space Optical Design Engineer: Lead Systems & Prototyping

Clutch Canada; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 117,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

IonQ, Inc. is seeking an Optical Designer and Analyst to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems for space‑based communication technologies.

The role requires hands‑on experience with optical design software and a strong optics background, with collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software and control teams. You will lead full lifecycle from conceptualization to prototyping, validate designs for manufacturing, and document procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optics, Mechanical Eng., Electrical Eng., Telecomm Eng., Physics, or related field.
• Experience in optical system design for space-based or high-precision instruments.
• Proficient with optical design software (ZEMAX) and mechanical design tools (SolidWorks, Siemens NX).

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of optical systems from conceptualization to prototyping; focus on free-space optical comms and high-speed laser apps.
• Analyze and optimize performance using optical design software; assess tolerances, wavefront error, and alignment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and control teams for integration into spacecraft or ground systems.
• Develop optomechanical strategies and perform Structural-Thermal-Optical analyses for space robustness.
• Document designs, analyses, and test procedures; mentor teammates and cross-functional peers.

Skills

Optical system design

Space-based optics

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring / knowledge transfer

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optics or related field

Tools

ZEMAX

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Job description

IonQ, Inc. is seeking an Optical Designer and Analyst to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems for space‑based communication technologies.

The role requires hands‑on experience with optical design software and a strong optics background, with collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software and control teams. You will lead full lifecycle from conceptualization to prototyping, validate designs for manufacturing, and document procedures.