Optical Engineer IV

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

128d • $173,680 - $212,368

About The Position

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with 9 years of related experience, or Masters with 7 years of related experience, or PhD with 5 years of related experience.
• Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax.
• Knowledge of multiple technical subject areas with significant expertise in technology development, telescopes, imaging spectrometers, and lenses.
• Experience making error budgets.
• Extensive understanding and application of sophisticated measurement principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate optimally in writing and verbally.
• Ability to present science, engineering, and flight results to large audiences.
• Hands-on experience and practical advanced knowledge in hardware integration, optical alignment, and measurement techniques.
• Experience developing hardware from concept through use.
• Extensive experience post-processing results from CODE V or Zemax using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and/or Matlab.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of JPL flight project practices and design principles.
• Experience with space optics.
• Radiometric modelling.
• Managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors.

Responsibilities

• Provide world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies critical to the development of optical instruments.
• Support the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems.
• Conduct research and development of optics-related technologies.
• Define system architecture and concepts.
• Design detailed optical systems and opt-mechanical systems.
• Analyze and implement optical systems.
• Align, test, and calibrate optical instruments and systems.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers.
• Conduct detailed trade studies and develop requirements.
• Participate in large team studies and maintain performance error budgets.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision plans.
• Wellbeing and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare and childcare assistance.
• Flexible schedule.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree