Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology
About The Position
Cowboy Space Corp.’s Laser Engineering and Optical Communications team is seeking an Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology, to design and conduct tests that verify laser and optical communications hardware, from individual components through full satellite integration. The role is primarily laboratory-based and involves building test setups, aligning optics, making measurements, and translating data into results that inform the design team. The engineer will collaborate with optical, photonics, and laser engineers, follow hardware through satellite integration, and take on increasing responsibility for test design and test campaigns. The role also supports field campaigns and requires domestic and international travel up to 10%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in an optics or photonics laboratory environment.
- Experience with precision optical alignment on a bench.
- Experience operating standard optical test equipment, including power meters, OSAs, oscilloscopes, and beam profilers.
- Working knowledge of optics fundamentals, including Gaussian beams, fiber coupling, polarization, and interferometry.
- Experience analyzing measurement data in Python or a similar language.
- Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety practices.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to comply with ITAR export-control requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, or a related field.
- Experience with high-power fiber laser or amplifier systems.
- Experience with free-space optical communications, coherent detection, or BER testing.
- Experience assembling precision opto-mechanical hardware, including interferometric or polarization-sensitive assemblies.
- Experience with wavefront or interferometric metrology, such as Shack-Hartmann sensors or Fizeau interferometers.
- Experience with instrument control and test automation using PyVISA, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
- Exposure to environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or vibration testing, of optical hardware.
Responsibilities
- Build, align, and operate optical test setups for free-space, fiber-optic, and interferometric components and subassemblies.
- Measure optical performance, including power, spectrum, beam quality, wavefront, polarization, and alignment, and reduce data into clear results.
- Develop test plans and procedures with lead engineers, execute them, and accurately record results.
- Support testing through hardware integration, including components, subassemblies, deployable opto-mechanical assemblies, the optical payload, and the full satellite.
- Operate optical test equipment, including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, beam profilers, wavefront sensors, and interferometers.
- Write scripts to automate measurements and data analysis.
- Investigate anomalies and communicate findings to inform hardware design.
- Support field campaigns, including ground station setup, fiber-optic system checkout, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) validation.
- Follow laser safety procedures and maintain current test setups, calibration records, and configuration logs.
- Travel domestically and internationally up to 10%.
Benefits
- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance enrollment for employees and eligible dependents.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Paid time off.
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year.
- Paid parental leave.
- Relocation assistance, if applicable.
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.
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
Mid Level
