Staff Optical Engineer

Inversion; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to own the optical systems for its innovative re-entry vehicles. The role involves leading the development of sensor windows and spectral camera systems, performing extensive optical analyses, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and at least 9 years of experience in optical design, with strong tool competencies in Zemax or equivalent. An attractive salary of $161,000-$221,000 is offered, along with a commitment to equal employment opportunities.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of applicable experience designing, analyzing, and testing optical systems.
• Experience planning and performing optical bench or lab testing.
• Strong understanding of environmental effects on optical performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of sensor window and seeker design and analysis for flight systems.
• Perform optical analyses including image quality and stray light.
• Translate test results into recommendations to improve system performance.

Skills

Optical design and analysis

Imaging systems

Optical materials

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD in Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world. We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re‑entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth.

What You’ll Do:

As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the optical systems that enable our vehicles to sense, navigate, and perform in extreme environments. You will lead the development of sensor windows, seeker architectures, and a variety of spectral camera systems from early trades through analysis, integration, and test. This is a unique opportunity to define the optical hardware for first‑of‑their‑kind reentry systems and help ensure it performs when it matters most. In this role, you will:

• 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.

Salary

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.

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.