Staff Optical Engineer

Inversionspace; California (MO); On-site; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversionspace in California is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to design and analyze flight system components, focusing on sensor windows and spectral camera systems. Candidates should have over 9 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related fields.

The role involves a strong focus on optical performance, environmental testing, and collaboration across teams. A competitive salary range of $161,000-$221,000 annually is offered, with specific pay based on candidate experience and skills.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience designing and analyzing optical systems.
• Experience with spectral camera systems and environmental effects.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design for sensor windows and seeker systems.
• Perform optical analyses including transmission and image quality.
• Integrate optical hardware into flight systems.

Skills

Optical system design

Optical analysis

Imaging systems

Optical design tools (Zemax, Code V)

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of sensor window and seeker design and analysis for Inversion flight systems.
• Own the development of spectral camera systems, including architecture, component selection, integration, and performance trades.
• Perform optical analyses including transmission, image quality, stray light, thermal effects, and environmental impacts on performance.
• Work closely with mechanical, thermal, avionics, autonomy, and test teams to integrate optical hardware into flight systems.
• Evaluate and select lenses, detectors, coatings, optical materials, and vendor solutions to meet mission requirements.
• Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and related validation campaigns.
• Translate test and analysis results into clear recommendations that improve system performance and reduce risk.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 9+ years of applicable experience designing, analyzing, and testing optical systems.
• Experience with imaging systems.
• Experience using optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or equivalent software.
• Strong understanding of optical materials, coatings, sensor windows, and environmental effects on optical performance.
• Experience planning and performing optical bench or lab testing.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with high ownership.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with aerospace, spaceflight, hypersonic, or reentry optical systems.
• Experience with seeker design, boresight stability, MTF, radiometry, and stray light analysis.
• Experience developing and qualifying camera systems for harsh environments.
• Experience working directly with vendors to develop custom optical hardware.
• Experience supporting environmental, field, or flight test campaigns for optical systems.

Pay

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $161,000-$221,000. Pay grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

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