Optical Design Engineer

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 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

Note:

USC or GC ONLY

2 rounds of virtual interview

Look for LinkedIn

About Planet:
Planet images the Earth every day to make global change visible accessible and actionable. Operates the highest-frequency Earth-imaging constellation in the world. Public benefit corporation with sustainability integrated into its mission and operations. Customers include governments commercial enterprises and research institutions who rely on Planet data for decision-making risk mitigation and insight generation.

Top Requirements

1. At least 6-8 years relevant experience including 3 or more years focused on optical AI&T
2. Strong optical metrology experience & experience with interferometry (Zygo 4D or similar)
3. Telescope or imaging system experience
4. Ability to work onsite in San Francisco & U.S. person status per ITAR/EAR (USC or GC)

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