Optical Engineer II
About the role
Ephemeris Net is a pre-seed space networking company aiming to provide connectivity for all space users through collaborative engineering of commercial space networking solutions. Supported by Second Order Effects, institutional VCs, and a network of space advisors, we believe now is the chance to build foundational infrastructure for how the internet will work in space.
Key Responsibilities
Optical System Design & Build
Design and assemble coherent transceiver optics from components: optical modulators, optical hybrids, photodetectors
Design the free-space optical assembly including optical design and ray tracing: tolerancing, ghost analysis, and stray light analysis to close on-orbit link budgets
Own the transmit and receive signal chain performance from RF electrical output through free-space launch and from free-space back to RF electrical
Test & Characterization
Develop and execute bench-level test plans for the transceiver and free-space assembly: modulation quality (EVM, constellation diagrams), wavefront quality, noise figure, bandwidth, optical power budgets, thermalization
Characterize coherent detection performance: receiver sensitivity, common-mode rejection, and phase noise
Verify free-space optical performance: wavefront error, encircled energy, pointing stability, stray light rejection
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, applied physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
4+ years of hands-on experience designing or building robust, precision electro-optical instruments in fiber, free space, or both
Working knowledge of one or more areas: coherent detection architectures (IQ modulation/demodulation, balanced detection, optical hybrid operation), free-space optical design (ray tracing, tolerancing, stray light), or laser and fiber systems at the component level
Proficiency with optical instrumentation (OSAs, power meters, interferometers, collimated beams, wavefront sensors, beam profilers) and RF and microwave test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes)
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with optical design and ray tracing software including stray light and ghost analysis
Experience designing telescopes, beam expanders, or pointing and tracking optical paths with cameras
Familiarity with space-qualified hardware design, environmental testing (thermal, vibration, radiation), or flight heritage optical systems
Experience specifying analog PCB requirements for high-bandwidth RF signal chains (TIA, driver amplifiers, bias networks)
Compensation and Benefits
Salary dependent on experience (please note that all posted levels for this role route through the same review process; applying to multiple levels will result in duplicate applications)
Engineer II: $150,000 - $190,000
Senior Engineer: $170,000 - $210,000
Staff Engineer: $200,000 - $250,000
Generous equity package (early team member level)
401k program
Comprehensive health care coverage
Unlimited PTO (we expect you to take at least 4 weeks per year, and leadership does the same)
Work Environment
Hybrid work model: 3 days per week in our office/lab based on project needs
During critical phases: When we are in integration, test, or launch prep mode, expect to be in the office more frequently for coordination with the mission team
Expected travel: Up to 25% (customer meetings, supplier visits, launch campaign, partner sites, integration sites, other Ephemeris offices)
Small team environment
Autonomy and space to define how we work and execute
Vision and Values
Ephemeris Net's vision is to enable an open, space internet that anyone can utilize and access
We believe that access to better digital connectivity is essential for human progress and that space is the frontier of digital connectivity
We believe that collaboration within market competition is the most effective way to expand the internet into space
Using Ephemeris Net to build space network solutions is how we can proliferate digital connectivity, collaboration, and "the raising of all boats" while achieving a commercial impact
We Care Deeply About
Access to connectivity for all
Collaboration that raises all boats; we focus on win/win deals
Commercial impact: building solutions people value and buy
Personal growth and creating a place where people build their careers
Putting good out into the world through the work we do and our interactions with each other
About Our Locations
El Segundo, CA: Located in the heart of the aerospace industry, surrounded by SpaceX, Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of space startups. A unique ecosystem where strangers on the street are excited about space.
Oakland, CA: Right off BART. Close collaboration opportunities with UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area networking and space research communities.
About Us
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.