Optical Engineer I
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 7, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 13, 2026. NASA scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.
Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.
Responsibilities:
The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum - from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors. We create novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts and mission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop navigational tracking to understand where we are and how to ensure robust engineering and science data return.
TheOptics & Spectroscopy Secti on provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.
We invite you to join the Optical Engineering group to serve as an Optical Engineer I. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group. The Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems (telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers).
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline with typically a minimum of 1 year of related work experience; Master’s degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 0 years of related experience.
- An understanding of adaptive optics algorithms and optical hardware along with underlying principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
- Experience in wavefront sensing and control and or adaptive optics instrumentation. Proficiency in Matlab or Python
- The ability to work well in teams with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds
- Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets, e.g. Word and Excel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Hands-on experience building optical instruments
- Experience with astronomical observations
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- Proficiency in one or more of the following: NX, Zemax, CODE-V, IDL, LabVIEW
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- Familiarity with optical diffraction and refraction, and a solid mathematics foundation.
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- Familiarity with polarization
- Familiarity with CAD software, e.g. Solidworks
- Familiarity with JPL processes and practices
JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.
For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks
The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$108,784 - $123,552JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.
In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.