Optical Systems Engineer

Star Catcher is powering the future of space by building the world’s first orbital energy grid: the Star Catcher Network. Spacecraft connect into the Star Catcher Network and receive conditioned energy via their existing solar arrays, requiring no retrofit to utilize the first true space-based infrastructure. The Star Catcher Network provides power as needed from tens of Watts to tens of thousands of Watts at concentrations from fractions of a Sun of flux to ten Suns of flux, enabling More Uptime, More Bandwidth, and More Mission.

About the role

We seek individuals who share our passion for enabling people to do more in space and are not afraid to get their hands dirty to make our vision of the future reality. As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of space-to-space power beaming spacecraft and the Star Catcher Network, its orbital power grid. You will conduct research and development in optical system concepts, layout, and detailed design, applying knowledge of geometrical and physical optics to achieve desired results in ground-based and space-based systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop free space optical systems for power transmission between spacecraft which satisfies overall system requirements.
• Conduct system architecture and design analysis to ensure optical performance and reliability.
• Execute system performance modeling and simulation.
• Construct and utilize prototypes and testbeds to validate system models.
• Support definition and documentation of system architecture and requirements at both the system and subsystem levels.
• Collaborate with multi-functional engineering teams including mechanical, opto-mechanical, electrical, thermal, structural, software, system, and test engineers and technicians.
• Facilitate system level and subsystem level testing, including laboratory tests, field tests, and operational/on-orbit tests.
• Develop new tools and techniques to improve modeling and understanding of key phenomena related to non-imaging optics systems, propagation in optical fibers (single mode and multimode), nonlinear optics, and other effects that operate with high peak and high optical power.
• Support business development efforts for proposals/bids.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related technical field; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• At least five years experience in a relevant field.
• Proven track record in the successful design and development of optical and/or laser-based systems for either terrestrial or satellite applications.
• Experience with optical system design for manufacturing, design, and cost.
• Experience in optical transmission systems modeling, simulation, and performance tradeoff analysis.
• Creative problem-solving skills, with the capability to develop innovative solutions to advanced engineering challenges.
• A solid foundation in the principles of optical and communication systems, capable of understanding and deriving specifications from first principles.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or protected individual status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligibility to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR.

Skills

• Familiarity with configuration management practices.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interface with the team and organization and prioritize tasks, projects, and personnel from a variety of disciplines.
• Experience with lens and optical design tools and multi-physics tools.
• Experience with software tools for performing complex analyses (Excel, MatLab, custom tools).

Benefits

We offer a highly competitive benefits package.

Star Catcher is located in Jacksonville, FL.