Optical Design Engineer

Job Title: Optical Design Engineer ( other possible titles below)

Senior Optical Engineer

Optics Design Engineer

Lens Design Engineer

Imaging Optics Engineer

Opto-Mechanical Engineer (when mechanical integration is included)

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

USC or GC ONLY

12 month

Location: San Jose, CA on site role

USC/GC Only

Top Requirements

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

Red Flags

• No telescope design experience

• Too vague, can't 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 they're the right talent profile)

perfect match

• 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:

We're looking for a highly capable Senior Optical Engineer to join our Space Technology customer on a contract-to-hire basis. In this role, you'll 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.

• Bachelor's 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