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Malin Space Science Systems Inc

Sr. Optical Engineer

san diego, CA

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About this opportunity

Malin Space Science Systems Inc lists this Sr. Optical Engineer opportunity in san diego, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.

Job description

Overview

Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) is a private technology company that designs, develops and operates space camera systems for government and commercial aerospace customers and provides services in spacecraft instrument operations and space science research. The Camera Systems Group (CSG) seeks a Sr. Optical Engineer with experience designing and building visible, infrared, and UV optics for camera systems, managing optics subcontracts, developing and executing optical calibration and metrology procedures, and solving challenging optics measurement problems.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Optical Engineer works with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and customer teams to specify, scope, design, produce, and verify optics to mission requirements. They identify and help solve design challenges associated with launch and operation in interplanetary space and during encounters with celestial bodies for both robotic and human spaceflight. The Sr. Optical Engineer manages subcontracts for optical parts, materials, coatings, and assemblies and the development of in‑house production and test capabilities.

Essential Functions

Specify optical systems for high-level mission requirements

Complete initial conceptual and detailed flight designs of camera optics

Manage glass availability through production lifecycles

Design for athermalization and stray light minimization

Complete Structural‑Thermal‑Optical‑Performance (STOP) Analysis

Develop calibration plans to verify mission requirements, including focus/MTF, flat field imaging, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment

Write performance specification and statements of work for optical subcontracts

Manage subcontractors for performance of optical processing, fabrication, and assembly

Present at design reviews

Prior to entering assembly, test, storage or development areas within the Camera Systems Group, receive initial and ongoing annual training in the fundamentals of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Non‑Essential Functions

Perform other duties as required which may become essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics; Masters or PhD preferred

8–10 years minimum of relevant experience

Extensive experience using ZEMAX optical design software

Familiarity with optics assembly techniques for space-based optical systems

Experience with radiation‑hardened optical design

Experience with collimation measurement techniques

Experience with laser interferometric measurement of wavefront error

Experience with radiometric calibration

Knowledge of visible and infrared sensor physics and performance limitations

Experience with boresight alignment and metrology

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explaining technical issues and ideas to peers, management, and customer representatives

Physical Requirements

Must be able to comprehend and communicate complex technical and engineering concepts. Must be able to remain in a stationary position while operating a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to work and move around in a cleanroom environment, wearing required outer garments including smock/coveralls, shoe covers, mask, hood and gloves. Moves in and around a lab space. Ability to handle high stress levels in connection with multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines. High tolerance for ambiguity and shifting expectations. Strong analytical and organizational skills with ability to prioritize workload.

Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

EEO Statement

MSSS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of any protected status, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals who are unable to use this online system due to a disability.

Contact

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact

Pay Range: $140-165K

Department: Camera Systems Group • Non‑management position • Full‑time position

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Worksite address

san diego, CA, 92189, US

Who can apply

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