Optical Engineer IV

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other : we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities

The Optics Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas : research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opt-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

We invite you to join the Optics Section within the Optical Technology Group to serve as an Optical Engineer IV . You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group.

The Optical Technology Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems (telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers).

We seek an engineer to support development for various optical instruments being built within the Section. The position is for an optical designer role in the Optical Technology group. The optical designer will contribute to the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers. They will participate in developing novel telescopes, spectrometers, and cameras, conduct detailed trade studies, develop requirements, and participate in large team studies :

Optical design trades

Detailed optical analysis

Development and maintenance of performance error budgets capturing sources from fabrication, assembly, and environments

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with 9 years of related experience, or Masters with 7 years of related experience, or PhD with 5 years of related experience.

Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax.

Knowledge of multiple technical subject areas with significant expertise in technology development, telescopes, imaging spectrometers, and lenses.

Experience making error budgets

Extensive understanding and wide application of sophisticated measurement principles, theories, concepts and techniques in definition, design, development and verification of complex technologies

Extensive knowledge of industry and / or academic practices and standards across a range of applications related to instrument technology innovations.

Demonstrated ability to communicate optimally in writing and verbally and a high comfort level presenting science, engineering and flight results to large audiences

Demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively with multiple levels of JPL management and the technical and business workforce

Hands-on experience and practical advanced knowledge in hardware integration, optical alignment, state-of-the-art measurement techniques.

Experience developing hardware from a concept through use.

Practical advanced knowledge in hardware integration, optical alignment, state-of-the-art measurement techniques.

Extensive experience post-processing results from CODE V or Zemax using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and / or Matlab.

Preferred Skills :

Extensive knowledge of JPL flight project practices and design principles.

Experience with space optics.

Radiometric modelling.

Managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors.

Ability to apply for a clearance

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks ()

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education / training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$173,680 - $212,368

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here () .