Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical EngineerLocation: Onsite in Broomfield, ColoradoCompensation: 136,764 to 160,000 USD base salary, plus bonus, equity and full benefitsUS Person RequiredDarwin Space are partnered with an exciting space communications company who are building advanced free space optical communication systems for spacecraft and ground terminals. They are expanding their team with multiple Senior Optical Engineers who can design, simulate and optimise optical systems for high performance laser communication networks.They are looking for engineers with strong optical engineering fundamentals, stable career history, and the ability to turn ambiguous optical problems into clear system architectures and validated models. This team moves quickly and values people who can work across disciplines, support integration and manufacturing and deliver designs that are robust, scalable and ready for mass production.Candidates with more than six years of experience are ideal, although strong engineers with three to five years and significant optical research or PhD backgrounds may also be considered. They prefer individuals who are committed, reliable and able to demonstrate progression without excessive job hopping.Relocation support is available for qualified candidates.Role OverviewAs a Senior Optical Engineer, you will own the design, modeling and validation of optical communication systems used for inter satellite links and ground to space laser communication. You will define architectures, conduct detailed simulations, specify optical metrology systems and support the integration and troubleshooting of optical subsystems throughout development, qualification and production.You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering teams to ensure alignment between design intent, performance requirements and manufacturability. This is a senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and the opportunity to work on cutting edge optical communication technology.Key ResponsibilitiesOptical System Design and DevelopmentDesign, develop and optimise optical communication systems for space and ground based platformsDefine architectures for free space transmission, optical metrology and high speed laser communication subsystemsSpecify optical components such as lenses, beam shaping optics, collimators, detectors and light sourcesModeling, Simulation and RequirementsConduct detailed optical modeling using Zemax, Code V or equivalentPerform radiometric analysis, wavefront analysis, tolerance studies, and far field propagation modelingDerive quantified requirements for optical instruments using analytical techniques, numerical modeling and benchtop testingCustomise vendor optical instruments when needed to meet mass production requirementsValidation, Data and TroubleshootingValidate optical metrology and communication systems through hardware and software testingAnalyse large datasets to understand performance, identify issues and drive improvementSupport root cause analysis and corrective action for optical subsystem non conformancesIntegration and DocumentationProvide technical support during system integration, alignment and troubleshootingWrite detailed documentation including test procedures, analyses and technical reportsPresent findings clearly to cross functional teams and leadershipRequired QualificationsBachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related fieldFive to eight years of experience in optical system design, modeling and validationExperience developing optical instruments such as telescopes, spectrometers or interferometersProficiency in optical modeling tools such as Zemax or Code VStrong quantitative skills using MATLAB, Python or similarUS Person requirement for export control compliancePreferred QualificationsExperience in the space flight industryKnowledge of laser safetyExperience transitioning optical products into productionSpanish language abilityCompensation and BenefitsBase salary between 136,764 and 160,000 USDBonus and equity opportunitiesMedical, dental and vision coverage401k planPTO and mental health resourcesPet insurance and legal insurance optionsRelocation support availableDarwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.Adam Slade