Optical Engineer I
About The Position
The Optical Engineering Group designs and develops optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, Earth-observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems, including telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers. The group is part of the Optics & Spectroscopy Section within the Instruments and Communications Division, which develops technologies for advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep-space communications. The Optics & Spectroscopy Section applies its expertise to advanced ground- and space-based optical systems. Its work includes research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system and opto-mechanical design, analysis, and implementation; and alignment, testing, and calibration of optical instruments and systems. The role reports administratively to the Group Supervisor.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with typically at least 1 year of related work experience; or a master’s degree in a similar discipline, with at least 0 years of related experience.
- Understanding of adaptive optics algorithms and optical hardware, including underlying principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
- Experience in wavefront sensing and control and/or adaptive optics instrumentation.
- Proficiency in Matlab or Python.
- Ability to work well in teams with diverse skills and backgrounds.
- Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets, such as Word and Excel.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience building optical instruments.
- Experience with astronomical observations.
- Proficiency in one or more of NX, Zemax, CODE-V, IDL, or LabVIEW.
- Familiarity with optical diffraction and refraction, and a solid mathematics foundation.
- Familiarity with polarization.
- Familiarity with CAD software, such as Solidworks.
- Familiarity with JPL processes and practices.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, Earth-observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems, including telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision plans.
- Wellbeing and retirement plans.
- Paid time off.
- Learning benefits.
- Rideshare benefits.
- Childcare benefits.
- Flexible schedule.
- Parental leave.
- Other benefits and perks.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
