At least 6-8 years relevant experience including 3 or more years focused on optical AI&T
Strong optical metrology experience & experience with interferometry (Zygo 4D or similar)
Telescope or imaging system experience
Ability to work onsite in San Francisco & U.S. person status per ITAR/EAR (USC or GC)
Red Flags No telescope design experience Too vague cant tell you about a system they worked on Purely theoretical no hands-on optical metrology No telescope camera or imaging payload exposure Unwilling to work onsite (this is a lab-based position push back is unlikely if theyre the right talent profile)
Green Flags Experience at optics-forward product companies. Mission-aligned candidates interested in impactful work. Seeking a fast-paced environment (vs bureaucracy) Can explain complex optical systems simply and clearly. Enjoy ownership ambiguity and collaboration.
Screening Questions **Shared with Planet** (Live Call Only) 1. What is your experience designing telescopes 2. What is your experience with 4D or Zygo 3. What is MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
Job Description:
Were looking for a highly capable Senior Optical Engineer to join our Space Technology customer on a contract-to-hire this role youll support the design integration testing and performance of advanced imaging payloads. The work encompasses optical design support alignment calibration and optomechanical assembly across cameras sensors spectrometers and telescope systems. The ideal candidate excels in cleanroom environments collaborates well across teams troubleshoots complex EO hardware and lives within a commutable distance to San Francisco for an onsite work environment.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute optical alignment activities (warm and cold) for telescopes spectrometers and full imaging instrument stacks.
Perform optical metrology integration and troubleshooting during assembly and test of EO hardware.
Develop and own test plans including data collection analysis and documentation for calibration and alignment.
Build modify and maintain test software and electrical GSE to support automated characterization and performance verification.
Coordinate and perform optomechanical manufacturing tasks such as bonding fixturing and precision assembly.
Drive integration and test operations in cleanroom environments.
Oversee ongoing design build validation and operational support of advanced imaging payloads through multiple development stages.
Partner with external vendors and suppliers providing technical oversight and ensuring successful delivery and integration.
Support the transfer of specialized imaging expertise to internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
Qualifications
6 years of experience with imaging payloads cameras telescopes or electro-optical systems in aerospace defense automotive biomedical or related industries.
3 years hands-on experience with optical assembly integration alignment and test.
Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
Skilled in the following: Zemax MATLAB Python and/or C/C for design analysis and system performance modeling.
Experience with defining implementing and using Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
Prior work in New Product Introduction (NPI) processes
Experience working within the space and/or defense industry is highly preferred for this role
Job Title: Optical Design Engineer ( other possible titles below) Senior Optical Engineer Optics Design Engineer Lens Design Engineer Imaging Optics Engineer Imaging Photonics & Systems Focused Titles Used in cameras sensors LiDAR medical imaging and defense: Imaging Systems Engineer Optical S...
Job Title:Optical Design Engineer ( other possible titlesbelow)
Senior Optical Engineer
Optics Design Engineer
Lens Design Engineer
Imaging Optics Engineer
Imaging Photonics & Systems Focused Titles
Used in cameras sensors LiDAR medical imaging and defense:
Imaging Systems Engineer
Optical Systems Engineer
Photonics Engineer
Electro Optical Engineer
EO/IR Engineer (Electro Optical / Infrared)
Vision Systems Engineer
Location: San Jose CA
Type: Onsite Candidate pay: $80-$90/hr on Lorien Global W2
At least 6-8 years relevant experience including 3 or more years focused on optical AI&T
Strong optical metrology experience & experience with interferometry (Zygo 4D or similar)
Telescope or imaging system experience
Ability to work onsite in San Francisco & U.S. person status per ITAR/EAR (USC or GC)
Red Flags No telescope design experience Too vague cant tell you about a system they worked on Purely theoretical no hands-on optical metrology No telescope camera or imaging payload exposure Unwilling to work onsite (this is a lab-based position push back is unlikely if theyre the right talent profile)
Green Flags Experience at optics-forward product companies. Mission-aligned candidates interested in impactful work. Seeking a fast-paced environment (vs bureaucracy) Can explain complex optical systems simply and clearly. Enjoy ownership ambiguity and collaboration.
Screening Questions **Shared with Planet** (Live Call Only) 1. What is your experience designing telescopes 2. What is your experience with 4D or Zygo 3. What is MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
Job Description:
Were looking for a highly capable Senior Optical Engineer to join our Space Technology customer on a contract-to-hire this role youll support the design integration testing and performance of advanced imaging payloads. The work encompasses optical design support alignment calibration and optomechanical assembly across cameras sensors spectrometers and telescope systems. The ideal candidate excels in cleanroom environments collaborates well across teams troubleshoots complex EO hardware and lives within a commutable distance to San Francisco for an onsite work environment.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute optical alignment activities (warm and cold) for telescopes spectrometers and full imaging instrument stacks.
Perform optical metrology integration and troubleshooting during assembly and test of EO hardware.
Develop and own test plans including data collection analysis and documentation for calibration and alignment.
Build modify and maintain test software and electrical GSE to support automated characterization and performance verification.
Coordinate and perform optomechanical manufacturing tasks such as bonding fixturing and precision assembly.
Drive integration and test operations in cleanroom environments.
Oversee ongoing design build validation and operational support of advanced imaging payloads through multiple development stages.
Partner with external vendors and suppliers providing technical oversight and ensuring successful delivery and integration.
Support the transfer of specialized imaging expertise to internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
Qualifications
6 years of experience with imaging payloads cameras telescopes or electro-optical systems in aerospace defense automotive biomedical or related industries.
3 years hands-on experience with optical assembly integration alignment and test.
Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
Skilled in the following: Zemax MATLAB Python and/or C/C for design analysis and system performance modeling.
Experience with defining implementing and using Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
Prior work in New Product Introduction (NPI) processes
Experience working within the space and/or defense industry is highly preferred for this role
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