Optical Alignment Engineer

Space Dynamics Laboratory•North Logan, UT

About The Position

Space Dynamics Laboratory’s Civil & Commercial Space Division is seeking a mid-level Optical Alignment Engineer to support development of space sensor systems operating from the ultraviolet to far-infrared. The role involves engineering analysis, alignment, testing, integration, and verification of complex space electro-optical systems. The division supports government and commercial missions with calibrated sensors and satellites, AI&T technologies, and mission management across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field (such as optical sciences, optical engineering, optomechanical engineering, engineering physics, or applied physics) 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 aligning 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 test methods, including WFE, line-of-sight alignment, point spread function, focus, and vignetting.
Experience writing optical alignment plans or 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.
Track record of successful collaboration with engineering teams.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience giving technical presentations.
Ability to communicate clearly with personnel from varied 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 on a team.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to lead small teams on projects or proposal efforts and to 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 and optical alignment tools and methods.
Experience managing vendor subcontracts involving lens or mirror fabrication and optical coatings.
Experience designing, analyzing, and calibrating 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, 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 using 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, and verification/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 expand SDL’s capabilities.
May mentor optical engineers in alignment methods, error budgets, error analysis, and tools.
May lead design reviews and larger proposal efforts.