Optical Systems Engineer

2 days ago


San Carlos, California, United States Aetherflux Full time
About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is a pioneering company in the field of space-based solar power technology, focusing on designing satellites equipped with high-power laser systems to beam energy from space to Earth.

We are building a dynamic team of engineers passionate about working at the forefront of optical, laser, and mechanical system design.

Job Summary

The Opto-Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and integrating optical and mechanical systems for Aetherflux's space-based laser satellites.

This role requires expertise in laser system design, optical simulation, and the integration of optical components into highly engineered satellite structures.

Key Responsibilities
  • Optical System Design: Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to design, simulate, and optimize optical systems for laser-based satellite platforms.
  • Lens & 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.
  • Laser System Design & Integration: Design and model laser systems, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers, and integrate them with mechanical structures for space deployment.
  • Nonlinear Optical Systems: Characterize and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems, including laser amplifiers and nonlinear optical materials.
  • Remote Sensing & Beam Propagation: Contribute to the development of laser-based remote sensing technologies such as laser radar, radiometry, and beam propagation.
  • System 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.
  • Mechanical 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.
  • Trade Studies & Optimization: Perform design trade studies to optimize system performance, cost, weight, and size for both the optical and mechanical aspects of laser systems.
  • System Validation: Support environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation tests, to validate the durability of the systems in space environments.
Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.
  • Experience: 2+ years of experience in optical, electro-optical, or laser system design and development.
  • Skills: Experience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) for lens and laser system design. Understanding of CCD/CMOS sensor technology and image capture at the focal plane. Knowledge of laser types, including gas, solid-state, fiber, and semiconductor lasers.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Hands-on experience: Hands-on experience with laser system prototyping, testing, and characterization.
  • Laboratory test equipment: Familiarity with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, laser beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and laser drive electronics.
  • Numerical analysis: Experience with numerical analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python for analyzing optical and laser system performance.
  • Space-qualified systems: Experience with space-qualified laser and optical systems design, assembly, and verification.


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