Optical Engineer IV
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 7, 2026. First seen by Alion on Apr 27, 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 (36) 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.
The Optics & Spectroscopy Section (3640) provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments.
Our engineers apply leadership and expertise 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 (364C) to serve as an Optical Engineer. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group.
The 364C 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).
We seek an engineer to support development for various optical instruments being built within Section 364. The position is for an optical designer role in the Optical Engineering group. The optical designer will contribute to the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers. They will participate in developing novel telescopes, spectrometers, and cameras, conduct detailed trade studies, develop requirements, and participate in large team studies:
Optical design trades
Detailed optical analysis
Development and maintenance of performance error budgets capturing sources from fabrication, assembly, and space environments
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with 9 years of related experience, or master’s degree with 7 years of related experience, or PhD with 5 years of related experience.
Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax.
Extensive experience post-processing results from CODE V or Zemax using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and/or Matlab.
Knowledge of multiple technical subject areas with significant expertise in technology development, telescopes, imaging spectrometers, and lenses.
Experience making optical error budgets
Extensive understanding and wide application of sophisticated measurement principles, theories, concepts and techniques in definition, design, development and verification of complex technologies
Extensive knowledge of industry and/or academic practices and standards across a range of applications related to instrument technology innovations.
Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication including presenting science, engineering and project results to large audiences
Demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively with multiple levels of JPL management and the technical and business workforce.
Experience developing hardware from a concept through use.
Practical advanced knowledge in hardware integration, optical alignment, state-of-the-art measurement techniques.
Ability to apply for a clearance
Preferred Skills:
Extensive knowledge of JPL flight project practices and design principles
Experience with space optics
Radiometric modelling
Hands-on experience in hardware integration, optical alignment, and state-of-the-art measurement techniques.
Managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors
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.
$185,952 - $226,720JPL 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.