Optical Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize free-space optical assemblies including beam expanders, collimators, and telescope interfaces
• Build and maintain optical system models using Zemax or Code V
• Define optical interface specifications for mechanical and opto-mechanical design
• Specify optical components, coatings, and filters
• Own the optical coupling efficiency budget from the receive telescope to the fiber injection point
• Perform structural-thermal-optical (STOP) analyses
• Define alignment budgets and verification procedures for deployable subassemblies
• Execute hands-on integration and alignment in the lab
• Generate design specifications, analysis reports, and test plans

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 3+ years of experience designing free-space optical systems
• Proficiency in Zemax or Code V
• Experience specifying, procuring, and acceptance testing custom optical components
• Experience with optical tolerance budgeting and Monte Carlo methods
• Experience with structural-thermal-optical (STOP) analysis
• Hands-on experience aligning and characterizing optical assemblies
• Familiarity with fiber-to-free-space coupling

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering or Physics
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense optical systems
• Experience with FSO communication
• Familiarity with adaptive optics
• Experience with environmental validation of space-based systems
• Experience with Class 4 laser lab environments

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Daily lunch and fully stocked kitchen