About this role
About the Role
Join the R&D team at a defense technology startup developing autonomous directed-energy systems. You will lead optical system design and investigations, applying deep optical expertise to turn 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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Drive optical investigations, trade studies, and system-level design decisions.
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Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures.
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Partner with mechanical engineers on packaging, housing, and system integration.
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Conduct tolerance analysis, performance validation, and design iteration.
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Guide alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.
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Work with vendors and fabricators on feasibility, tolerancing, and manufacturability.
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Establish best practices for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.
What We're Looking For
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Typically 5 to 10 or more years of senior-level experience in optical engineering, optical design, or related physics-based systems work.
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Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing optical systems that were built and operated as hardware, including alignment, characterization, and hands-on debugging.
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Strong command of optical theory and experience leading investigations and trade studies that inform system-level decisions.
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Experience specifying and evaluating optical components, performing tolerance analysis and validation, and working with vendors or fabricators.
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Working familiarity with mechanical packaging and integration, and experience collaborating across engineering disciplines.
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Experience with high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, beam directors, collimators, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics, or laser communication terminals is relevant.
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Experience with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V, and approximately 1 micron fiber laser systems, is valuable.
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BS or MS 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.