Job Description
Job DescriptionAbout the Role
Lead optical system design and technical investigations for a defense technology platform developing autonomous directed-energy systems. You will partner with mechanical and electrical engineers to turn optical designs into robust hardware.
What You'll Do
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Lead optical design and analysis for core system components.
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Run optical investigations and trade studies to guide system-level design decisions.
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Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures.
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Collaborate with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration.
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Perform tolerance analysis, validate performance, and guide design iterations.
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Lead alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.
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Work with vendors and fabricators on manufacturability, tolerancing, and feasibility.
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Establish best practices for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.
What We're Looking For
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5 to 10 or more years of experience in optical engineering, optical design, or related physics-based systems work.
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Experience designing and analyzing optical systems built and operated as real hardware, including alignment, characterization, and hands-on debugging.
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Ability to lead optical investigations and trade studies, apply optical theory from first principles, and make system-level design decisions.
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Experience with optical component selection, vendor collaboration, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.
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Mechanical fluency for effective collaboration on packaging and integration.
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Experience with high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, beam directors, collimators, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics, or laser communications is relevant.
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Familiarity with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V and approximately 1 micron Yb fiber laser systems is useful.
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Bachelor's or master's degree in optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California, United States.
Compensation Range: $150K - $200K