Sr. Optical Engineer

Malin Space Science Systems Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Malin Space Science Systems Inc in San Diego is seeking a Sr. Optical Engineer to specify and design optical systems for space missions. This full-time role involves managing subcontractors and ensuring optical performance meets mission requirements. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Engineering or Physics and 8–10 years of relevant experience.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $140-165K. Familiarity with optical design software and experience with space-based systems is essential.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in optics design and engineering.
• Experience with radiation-hardened optical design.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Specify and design optical systems for space missions.
• Manage subcontractors for optical components.
• Develop calibration plans for optical systems.

Skills

ZEMAX optical design

Optics assembly techniques

Collimation measurement

Radiometric calibration

Boresight alignment

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field

Masters or PhD preferred

Tools

Optical design software

Job description

Overview

Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) is a private technology company that designs, develops and operates space camera systems for government and commercial aerospace customers and provides services in spacecraft instrument operations and space science research. The Camera Systems Group (CSG) seeks a Sr. Optical Engineer with experience designing and building visible, infrared, and UV optics for camera systems, managing optics subcontracts, developing and executing optical calibration and metrology procedures, and solving challenging optics measurement problems.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Optical Engineer works with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and customer teams to specify, scope, design, produce, and verify optics to mission requirements. They identify and help solve design challenges associated with launch and operation in interplanetary space and during encounters with celestial bodies for both robotic and human spaceflight. The Sr. Optical Engineer manages subcontracts for optical parts, materials, coatings, and assemblies and the development of in‑house production and test capabilities.

Essential Functions

• Specify optical systems for high-level mission requirements
• Complete initial conceptual and detailed flight designs of camera optics
• Manage glass availability through production lifecycles
• Design for athermalization and stray light minimization
• Complete Structural‑Thermal‑Optical‑Performance (STOP) Analysis
• Develop calibration plans to verify mission requirements, including focus/MTF, flat field imaging, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment
• Write performance specification and statements of work for optical subcontracts
• Manage subcontractors for performance of optical processing, fabrication, and assembly
• Present at design reviews
• Prior to entering assembly, test, storage or development areas within the Camera Systems Group, receive initial and ongoing annual training in the fundamentals of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Non‑Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as required which may become essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics; Masters or PhD preferred
• 8–10 years minimum of relevant experience
• Extensive experience using ZEMAX optical design software
• Familiarity with optics assembly techniques for space-based optical systems
• Experience with radiation‑hardened optical design
• Experience with collimation measurement techniques
• Experience with laser interferometric measurement of wavefront error
• Experience with radiometric calibration
• Knowledge of visible and infrared sensor physics and performance limitations
• Experience with boresight alignment and metrology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explaining technical issues and ideas to peers, management, and customer representatives

Physical Requirements

Must be able to comprehend and communicate complex technical and engineering concepts. Must be able to remain in a stationary position while operating a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to work and move around in a cleanroom environment, wearing required outer garments including smock/coveralls, shoe covers, mask, hood and gloves. Moves in and around a lab space. Ability to handle high stress levels in connection with multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines. High tolerance for ambiguity and shifting expectations. Strong analytical and organizational skills with ability to prioritize workload.

Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

EEO Statement

MSSS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of any protected status, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals who are unable to use this online system due to a disability.

Contact

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail]

Pay Range: $140-165K

Department: Camera Systems Group • Non‑management position • Full‑time position