Optical Engineer IV TS/SCI
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 6, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 29, 2026.
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:
JPL is a center of research, innovation and technology, and if you aspire to be on the leading edge, there is no better place. A truly unique organization, JPL is a pioneer of space exploration technology and science, attracting and cultivating the best and brightest creative and technical minds. JPL values creative thought, technical excellence and teamwork, infused with the highest level of integrity.
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.
The Optics & Spectroscopy Section 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.
The Optical Systems Engineering Group works on optical instrumentation ranging from optical telescopes such as NEOS and HWO to instruments behind those telescopes including spectrometers, imagers and coronagraphs. We carry out analyses to ensure that the systems are meeting specifications and to help guide the requirements of the system. As systems move through the development process, we help ensure that system is developed to meet higher level requirements and that the subcomponents will achieve their required performance.
The Optical Engineer IV TS/SCI will be a member of the Optical Systems Engineering Group and report to the Group Supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Astronomy, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience, a Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 7 years of related work experience or a PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience.
- Familiarity and knowledge of the optical properties of systems such as telescopes, spectrometers, coronagraphs and imaging cameras.
- Experience developing optical systems with an emphasis on space-based systems
- Experience working with Optical Performance Error Budgets (e.g. wavefront error, radiometry, spectroscopy etc.)
- Proficiency in scientific computing languages such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++
- Strong writing, writing, verbal and presentation skills
- The ability to work well in a team with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds
Preferred Skills:
Having one or more of these skills/experiences would be beneficial:
- Experience with Optical Subsystem Requirements generation
- Experience with Verification & Validation of Requirements
- Experience working with requirements management tools such as Jama, Cameo or DOORS
- Experience with the calibration of optical instrumentation
- Experience with optical ray tracing software such as Code V or Zemax
- Experience with opto-mechanical CAD software
- Experience with image chain analysis
- Leading small technical teams in the development of optical instrumentation & systems
Note: Must have an active Top Secret (TS) clearance based upon Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) within a 5-year scope and must be approved for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) accesses.
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.