Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for the adaptive optics system, from requirements definition through integration and commissioning
• Define system level requirements and performance budgets for fast adaptive optics, including wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, real time controllers, and diagnostics
• Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for high bandwidth, low latency correction systems integrated into laser or photon beamlines
• Ensure system designs meet performance, reliability, and operability requirements
• Lead technical engagement with commercial and research vendors delivering adaptive optics components and subsystems
• Develop technical specifications, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for externally supplied hardware and software
• Oversee vendor design reviews, factory acceptance tests, and delivery milestones
• Act as the primary technical interface for resolving performance, schedule, and integration issues with suppliers
• Lead assembly, integration, and test of the adaptive optics system within the beamline environment
• Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation
• Work closely with beamline, controls, and laser system teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Support commissioning activities and transition to reliable operations
• Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the Adaptive Optics group
• Mentor and guide engineers and scientists working on adaptive optics and wavefront control topics
• Participate in hiring and onboarding as the group expands

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• 8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or closely related high speed optical control systems
• Demonstrated hands on experience working with laser beams, including propagation, beam quality, wavefront control, and interaction with real optical hardware
• Proven experience specifying, integrating, and testing fast adaptive optics hardware and real time control systems in laboratory or operational environments
• Hands-on experience with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and high bandwidth feedback control
• Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reviews, requirements definition, and cross team coordination