Optical Alignment Engineer

Space Dynamics Laboratory•North Logan, UT

9d•$124,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Space Dynamics Laboratory’s Civil & Commercial Space Division is seeking a mid-level Optical Alignment Engineer to support the development of space sensor systems operating from the ultraviolet to far-infrared. The role calls for a broad understanding of the design, development, testing, and fielding of complex space electro-optical systems. The division supports scientific research and space exploration by providing calibrated sensors and satellites, AI&T technologies, and mission management for government and commercial missions across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. The engineer will perform optical alignment and testing, support optical design and system-level verification, manage vendor subcontract work, and collaborate with engineers across disciplines. The position may also involve mentoring optical engineers and leading design reviews or proposal efforts. Occasional program-related travel may be required.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field and at least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience, or an advanced degree in an appropriate field and at least 0 years of experience.
Experience performing optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging or non-imaging systems, including optical elements such as mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors.
Experience with optical image-quality testing methods, including WFE, line-of-sight alignment, point spread function, focus, and vignetting.
Experience writing optical alignment plans and procedures.
Experience with optical alignment and metrology equipment such as interferometers, computer-generated holograms (CGHs), laser trackers, and theodolites.
Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and space-environment effects on optical systems.
Successful collaboration with engineering teams.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience delivering technical presentations.
Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds.
Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
Willingness to travel occasionally to support programs.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to lead small teams and provide leadership and mentoring to junior engineers.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of relevant full-time work experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 4 or more years with a master’s degree, or 4 or more years with a PhD.
5 or more years of experience in electro-optical system design and analysis.
Subject-matter expertise in optical alignment, alignment tools, and methods.
Experience managing vendor subcontracts for lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings.
Experience with the design, analysis, and calibration of optical instruments.
Experience with CMMs, gauges, micrometers, and other mechanical inspection tools.
Experience using Zemax, CODE V, FRED, or other optical design software.
Experience with opto-mechanical adhesive bonding techniques.
Experience with space optical systems.
Experience with optical component tolerancing and specification, and external vendor fabrication management.
Experience writing technical reports, presentations, plans, and procedures.
Experience working closely with customers.
Experience leading small technical teams.

Responsibilities

Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment.
Support optical design through alignment and manufacturing error-budgeting methods.
Perform optical alignment of UV/EO/IR imaging and non-imaging systems, including mirrors, lenses, filters, gratings, baffles, stops, and detectors.
Perform optical testing, including wavefront error (WFE), line-of-sight alignment, point spread function, focus, and vignetting.
Write optical integration plans and procedures.
Support system-level planning, testing, verification, and calibration.
Manage vendor subcontracts for lens and mirror fabrication and optical coatings.
Investigate and advise on the feasibility of new projects.
Collaborate with engineers across mechanical, electrical, systems, contamination, calibration, and quality disciplines.
Identify and recommend alignment methods, tools, and training to increase SDL’s capabilities.
May mentor optical engineers in alignment methods, error budgets, error analysis, and tools.
May lead design reviews and larger proposal efforts.