Senior Optical Engineer

From telescopes to software architecture, Observable Space provides the foundational elements every organization needs to operate in space. Observable Space is unlocking continuous, real-time observations of space with the industry’s first line of vertically integrated hardware and software products. The company is a leader in advanced telescope design and manufacturing in the US. Every product is part of a robust developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space’s full line of products serves all sectors of the space industry including commercial, science, education, and government customers, as well as astronomy enthusiasts discovering the cosmos.

Observable Space is backed by top institutional investors–Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced optical systems for both ground-based and space-based telescope platforms. This role will be responsible for translating system requirements into high-performance optical designs, driving architecture decisions, and ensuring optical performance from concept through integration and validation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in optical design along with hands-on experience building and testing precision optical systems in complex, multidisciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex optical systems for telescopes, including reflective, refractive, and hybrid architectures.

• Perform optical design, modeling, and optimization using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.

• Translate system-level requirements into optical prescriptions that meet performance targets for resolution, sensitivity, field of view, and aberration control.

• Conduct tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and ghosting analysis to ensure robust performance across manufacturing and environmental conditions.

• Define optical budgets and error allocations, including wavefront error, alignment tolerances, and environmental effects.

• Partner with mechanical and thermal teams to support STOP (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance) analysis and ensure optical stability and alignment.

• Drive optical architecture trade studies across performance, manufacturability, cost, and risk

• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering teams to integrate optical designs into full telescope systems.

• Support optomechanical design efforts, including mounting strategies, alignment features, and thermal compensation approaches.

• Lead optical testing and validation activities, including development of test plans, alignment procedures, and calibration methods.

• Support integration and test campaigns, including lab validation, field testing, and environmental testing for space-based systems (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration).

• Analyze test data, troubleshoot performance issues, and perform root cause analysis across system components.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to optical engineering standards, processes, and documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in optical design and analysis, ideally within astronomical instrumentation, imaging systems, or aerospace/defense.

• Deep expertise in optical design tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent.

• Strong foundation in geometrical optics, physical optics, aberration theory, and diffraction-limited system design.

• Experience with tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and optical performance budgeting.

• Familiarity with optomechanical design principles and constraints.

• Knowledge of optical coatings, materials, and environmental effects on optical performance.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions and design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or collaborating on STOP analysis.

• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, interferometry, and optical test equipment.

• Experience with reflective telescope designs (e.g., Cassegrain, Ritchey-Chrétien) and/or wide-field imaging systems.

• Experience with space-based optical systems and environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, vacuum).

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

• Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

• Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

• Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

• Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

• Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.