Senior Optical Engineer

Apex SpaceLos Angeles, CA
53dOnsite

About The Position

As an Apex Senior Optical Engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will lead the future of optical imaging and tracking systems to solve mission-critical challenges for the space industry. You will ensure Apex designs and builds reliable, efficient systems that meet our production quality and cost targets for mass-manufactured satellite buses that enable access to Earth orbits and beyond.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
  • 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

Nice To Haves

  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
  • Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of optical imaging and tracking systems
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing, and integration processes
  • Experience leading development of optical imaging products from design to manufacturing
  • Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
  • Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking
  • Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
  • Experience with infrared and visible range system alignment and characterization
  • Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Define and lead ground and on-orbit testing of optical experiments to rapidly develop designs
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain and communicate design specifications and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
  • Be the primary owner for optical system reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

Benefits

  • Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
  • Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
  • World-class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
  • Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

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What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Mid Level

Industry

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

Number of Employees

101-250 employees

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