Founding Optical Engineer

Apex Technology-posted 8 days ago

Full-time • Mid Level

Onsite • Los Angeles, CA

101-250 employees

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As the first Apex Optical Engineer, you will be the founding team member responsible for defining the future of free-space optical systems for the company. You will be the visionary for optical imaging and tracking systems to solve mission-critical challenges for the space industry. You will architect Apex designs and builds reliable, efficient systems that meet our production quality and cost targets for mass-manufactured satellite buses that enable access to Earth orbits and beyond.

Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
Define and lead ground and on-orbit testing of optical experiments to rapidly develop designs
Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
Maintain and communicate design specifications and system capabilities data
Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
Be the primary owner for optical system reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
5+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of optical imaging and tracking systems
Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
Knowledge of and experience in free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing, and integration processes
Experience leading development of optical imaging products from design to manufacturing
Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking
Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
Experience with infrared and visible range system alignment and characterization
Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
World-class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

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