Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership and System Architecture
• 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
• Vendor Engagement and Procurement
• 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
• Integration, Test, and Commissioning
• 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

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Experience: 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
• Experience developing or integrating adaptive optics specifically for laser-based systems
• 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

Desired

• Experience with directed energy systems, including high power or high intensity laser platforms
• Experience delivering custom adaptive optics systems from concept through commissioning
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical teams
• Familiarity with real time software, FPGA based control, or low latency computing architectures
• Experience in laboratory and operational environments requiring high reliability and uptime

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption
• A 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%
• Equity, allowing employees to share in the company’s long-term success
• A flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach
• Additional benefits including paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown