Optical Engineer III

Responsibilities

The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum — from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors.

We create novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts and mission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop navigational tracking to understand where we are and how to ensure robust engineering and science data return.

The Optics & Spectroscopy 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, opto-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, or Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, or PhD in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax.
• Practical experience in hardware integration, optical alignment, or state-of-the-art measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication including presenting science, engineering, and project results.
• Demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively with co-workers.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with space optics.
• Experience making optical error budgets.
• Experience managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors.
• Experience post-processing results from CODE V or Zemax using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and/or Matlab.
• Experience in specialized optical modeling such as thin film design, lens design, polarization optics, or straylight.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Benefits

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.