Optical Systems Engineer

The role

You will define how K2 designs, manufactures, tests, and deploys optical benches for a suite of high-volume optical payloads. You will be involved in every phase of the optical system life cycle from feasibility and architectural trade studies through manufacturing, ground testing, and on-orbit commissioning.

What you will do

• Deliver system architecture, SNR budget, and system-specific modeling
• Perform detailed optical design and tolerancing
• Develop plans for risk reduction, division of labor, and test strategy
• Conduct environmental qualification and reliability testing
• Provide technical leadership of vendors and external partners
• Perform laboratory characterization, system-level validation, and on-orbit commissioning planning
• Collaborate with optical and satellite bus teams to determine system requirements
• Prepare design reviews for stakeholders
• Forecast staffing needs and interview candidates
• Mentor supporting engineers

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of optical systems
• Experience designing and deploying optical systems at every phase of the product life cycle

Nice to have

• Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing
• Experience with optical mechanisms
• Deep knowledge of electro-optical sensing technologies
• Experience conducting experimental research, data analysis, and visualizing esoteric datasets
• Understanding of the failure modes of electrical, mechanical, and optical systems in space environment

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Medical/dental/vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Many other perks

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license

About the company

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown for missions from LEO to deep space. The company is a high-growth Series D-funded company mass-producing satellite platforms.