Principal Optical Engineer (Starfall)
Core
Design, validate, and operate free-space optical navigation sensors combining visible cameras and infrared (IR) sensing for space missions.
Role type
Principal Optical Engineer (System Architect & Hands-on IC)
Builds
High-reliability electro-optical navigation sensors for space exploration
Domain
Aerospace / Optics & Photonics / Navigation Systems
Deliverable
production ML models | product features
Required skills
Optical system design, photonics, infrared sensing, system-level architecture, trade studies, mentorship, opto-mechanical design, mixed-signal circuit design, FPGA design, Python programming, Linux environment, optical test equipment operation, risk assessment
Preferred skills
PhD in physics or engineering, product vision leadership, Zemax proficiency, atmospheric optical effects knowledge, high-volume product development, signal integrity principles, multi-spectral system experience
Technologies
Zemax, C++, MATLAB, Python, Linux, FPGA, DDR4, I2C, SPI, Ethernet, SERDES, DRAM, operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters
Responsibilities
Drive product vision and system-level architecture for visible-camera and IR navigation sensors; lead optical architecture definition through trade studies and risk-reduction testing; design next-generation optical/IR sensor hardware for high-rate manufacturing; mentor optical, electrical, and systems engineers; perform and oversee verification testing including environmental qualification and fault-injection testing; define and lead field testing of optical experiments; review test data and lead anomaly investigation; collaborate with software and automation teams for automated testing tools; communicate technical direction and risks to program leadership
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with strategic oversight
