Optical Systems Engineer

Job Description

Requirements
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### Must have:

### - We require a minimum of a masters degree in Physics, Astronomy, Optical Sciences, or a closely related engineering field, along with at least 6 years of relevant experience. - We prefer 8 to 10 years of related experience for the strongest fit. - We need a solid grasp of optical principles and test methodologies. - We expect a strong understanding of ground- or space-based observatory performance, including the key metrics and algorithms used to evaluate them. - We need hands-on experience with Matlab/Simulink, Python, or IDL. - We require competence with Zemax. - We expect excellent verbal communication, presentation ability, and technical writing skills. - We need a proven track record of producing thorough reports, technical documentation, and publications. - We value prior experience presenting material and supporting design review documentation. - We expect experience collaborating within project teams that include engineers, scientists, and other technical specialists. - We need strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to stay organized, dependable, and proactive. - We value adaptability in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent workstreams. - Experience with large ground-based observatories is highly desirable, especially if it includes optical alignment processes for ground- or space-based telescopes. - Experience with astronomical active optics or adaptive optics, as well as optical/IR instrumentation and subsystems, is a plus.

Responsibilities:
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- We develop and maintain observatory-level optical requirements and technical budgets for NS/GLAO performance. - We define and manage requirements for image quality, normalized point source sensitivity, spatial uniformity, temporal stability, pupil stability, and stray light, translating science goals into engineering terms. - We allocate system-level requirements to subsystems and components and track compliance throughout design and construction. - We monitor predicted observatory performance during the project lifecycle and update performance estimates as the design evolves. - We manage Key Performance Parameters by setting thresholds, evaluating technical risk, and using Monte Carlo analysis to assess uncertainty. - We analyze the impact of changes at the system level and recommend budget rebalancing or reserve usage when needed. - We establish methods for continuously assessing optical performance and maintain the evolving System Compliance Matrix. - We coordinate the inclusion of as-designed and as-built models in simulations to confirm the final design meets requirements. - We contribute to calibration and test planning where needed. - We review and coordinate subsystem optical requirements, technical budgets, interfaces, and verification and validation plans. - We monitor and validate analyses performed by subsystem engineering teams and contractors. - We work closely with the Chief Scientist, Project Scientist, Instrument Scientist, instrument teams, wavefront control, and systems engineering to translate science needs into technical specifications. - We support interface development and participate in verification, validation, and compliance activities. - We prepare reports, technical notes, and publications on observatory performance and related technical topics. - We contribute to system-level and subsystem-level design reviews. - We communicate effectively with systems engineering, project engineers, subsystem leads, and project management. - We perform other duties as assigned.
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Company:
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We are seeking a highly qualified Optical Systems Engineer to support our telescopic products in a hybrid role based in the Glendale/Pasadena, CA area. In this position, you will work under minimal supervision and report to the Project Systems Engineer while collaborating closely with science, engineering, and systems teams across the project. We offer a relocation package, and our benefits package includes medical, vision, dental, disability, and 401(k) coverage. An annual performance bonus may be awarded based on company-wide and individual results, though it is not guaranteed.
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