Staff Optical Engineer

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with high ownership

Preferred 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

About the Company

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space, turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain.