Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer

About the Company

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data.

Responsibilities

• Own lab operations including equipment calibration schedules, inventory, and configuration management
• Maintain laser safety requirements including interlocks, PPE, and posted procedures
• Assist engineers with setup and alignment of free-space optical assemblies and fiber-optic components
• Support integration and alignment of deployable opto-mechanical assemblies
• Support field demonstration campaigns including ground station setup and PAT system validation
• Execute formal test procedures and record results accurately
• Operate test equipment including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, and beam profilers
• Maintain lab documentation including cable and fiber routing logs
• Coordinate with facilities on lab infrastructure and safety requirements

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonics lab environment
• Experience operating standard optical test equipment (OSAs, power meters, oscilloscopes, beam profilers)
• Ability to perform precision optical alignment on a bench
• Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety requirements
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-power fiber laser or amplifier systems
• Experience handling and assembling precision opto-mechanical hardware
• Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration)
• Experience managing a shared lab across multiple engineers and programs
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optical Technology, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

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