{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"d3c03a0a51a8dfb9e7c866eb","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d3c03a0a51a8dfb9e7c866eb","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d3c03a0a51a8dfb9e7c866eb","title":"Optical Engineer","description":"Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.\nOptical Engineer\nAs an Optical Engineer at Aetherflux, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and integrating optical systems for space-based laser platforms. This role requires expertise in laser system design, optical simulation, and the integration of optical components into highly engineered satellite structures. You will work on innovative technologies to optimize the performance of laser systems under the challenging conditions of space.\nResponsibilities\nOptical System Design: Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to design, simulate, and optimize optical systems for laser-based satellite platforms.\nLens & Detector Systems: Design lens systems, calculate focal lengths, and analyze lens parameters. Work with CCD and/or CMOS sensors to capture images and evaluate performance at the focal plane.\nLaser System Design & Integration: Design and model laser systems, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers, and integrate them with mechanical structures for space deployment.\nNonlinear Optical Systems: Characterize and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems, including laser amplifiers and nonlinear optical materials.\nRemote Sensing & Beam Propagation: Contribute to the development of laser-based remote sensing technologies such as laser radar, radiometry, and beam propagation.\nSystem Prototyping & Testing: Lead the development, assembly, and characterization of laser and optical systems. Conduct lab testing to validate system designs and ensure they meet performance specifications.\nMechanical Integration: Work closely with the mechanical engineering team to design and integrate opto-mechanical systems for satellite platforms, ensuring that optical components can withstand the rigors of space.\nTrade Studies & Optimization: Perform design trade studies to optimize system performance, cost, weight, and size for both the optical and mechanical aspects of laser systems.\nSystem Validation: Support environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation tests, to validate the durability of the systems in space environments.\nPreferred Qualifications\nBachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.\n2+ years of experience in optical, electro-optical, or laser system design and development.\nExperience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) for lens and laser system design.\nUnderstanding of CCD/CMOS sensor technology and image capture at the focal plane.\nKnowledge of laser types, including gas, solid-state, fiber, and semiconductor lasers.\nHands-on experience with laser system prototyping, testing, and characterization.\nFamiliarity with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, laser beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and laser drive electronics.\nExperience with numerical analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python for analyzing optical and laser system performance.\nExperience with integrating optical systems into mechanical structures, particularly in space applications.\nStrong understanding of laser system failure analysis and troubleshooting.\nPrevious experience working in a professional or academic lab environment, conducting experiments and testing.\nExperience with space-qualified laser and optical systems design, assembly, and verification.\nExperience working in cross-functional teams with mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineers to deliver high-performance laser and optical systems.","company":"Aetherflux","rawCompany":"aetherflux","city":"San Carlos","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-05-23T05:09:50.899Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Optical Engineer","description":"Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.\nOptical Engineer\nAs an Optical Engineer at Aetherflux, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and integrating optical systems for space-based laser platforms. This role requires expertise in laser system design, optical simulation, and the integration of optical components into highly engineered satellite structures. You will work on innovative technologies to optimize the performance of laser systems under the challenging conditions of space.\nResponsibilities\nOptical System Design: Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to design, simulate, and optimize optical systems for laser-based satellite platforms.\nLens & Detector Systems: Design lens systems, calculate focal lengths, and analyze lens parameters. Work with CCD and/or CMOS sensors to capture images and evaluate performance at the focal plane.\nLaser System Design & Integration: Design and model laser systems, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers, and integrate them with mechanical structures for space deployment.\nNonlinear Optical Systems: Characterize and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems, including laser amplifiers and nonlinear optical materials.\nRemote Sensing & Beam Propagation: Contribute to the development of laser-based remote sensing technologies such as laser radar, radiometry, and beam propagation.\nSystem Prototyping & Testing: Lead the development, assembly, and characterization of laser and optical systems. Conduct lab testing to validate system designs and ensure they meet performance specifications.\nMechanical Integration: Work closely with the mechanical engineering team to design and integrate opto-mechanical systems for satellite platforms, ensuring that optical components can withstand the rigors of space.\nTrade Studies & Optimization: Perform design trade studies to optimize system performance, cost, weight, and size for both the optical and mechanical aspects of laser systems.\nSystem Validation: Support environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation tests, to validate the durability of the systems in space environments.\nPreferred Qualifications\nBachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.\n2+ years of experience in optical, electro-optical, or laser system design and development.\nExperience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) for lens and laser system design.\nUnderstanding of CCD/CMOS sensor technology and image capture at the focal plane.\nKnowledge of laser types, including gas, solid-state, fiber, and semiconductor lasers.\nHands-on experience with laser system prototyping, testing, and characterization.\nFamiliarity with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, laser beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and laser drive electronics.\nExperience with numerical analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python for analyzing optical and laser system performance.\nExperience with integrating optical systems into mechanical structures, particularly in space applications.\nStrong understanding of laser system failure analysis and troubleshooting.\nPrevious experience working in a professional or academic lab environment, conducting experiments and testing.\nExperience with space-qualified laser and optical systems design, assembly, and verification.\nExperience working in cross-functional teams with mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineers to deliver high-performance laser and optical systems.","datePosted":"2026-05-23T05:09:50.899Z","dateModified":"2026-05-23T05:09:50.899Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aetherflux","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"San Carlos","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"d3c03a0a51a8dfb9e7c866eb"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d3c03a0a51a8dfb9e7c866eb"}}