Senior Optical Engineer

Job Title: Senior Optical Engineer (Space)
Location: Onsite in San Francisco, CA
Role Type: Contract-to-hire
Pay: $80.00-$95.00/hour, depending on experience

Summary
We're looking for a highly capable Senior Optical Engineer to join our Space Technology customer on a contract-to-hire basis. In this role, you'll support the design, integration, testing, and performance of advanced imaging payloads. The work encompasses optical design support, alignment, calibration, and optomechanical assembly across cameras, sensors, spectrometers, and telescope systems. The ideal candidate excels in cleanroom environments, collaborates well across teams, troubleshoots complex EO hardware, and lives within a commutable distance to San Francisco for an onsite work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute optical alignment activities (warm and cold) for telescopes, spectrometers, and full imaging instrument stacks.
• Perform optical metrology, integration, and troubleshooting during assembly and test of EO hardware.
• Develop and own test plans, including data collection, analysis, and documentation for calibration and alignment.
• Build, modify, and maintain test software and electrical GSE to support automated characterization and performance verification.
• Coordinate and perform optomechanical manufacturing tasks such as bonding, fixturing, and precision assembly.
• Drive integration and test operations in cleanroom environments.
• Oversee ongoing design, build, validation, and operational support of advanced imaging payloads through multiple development stages.
• Partner with external vendors and suppliers, providing technical oversight and ensuring successful delivery and integration.
• Support the transfer of specialized imaging expertise to internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with imaging payloads, cameras, telescopes, or electro-optical systems in aerospace, defense, automotive, biomedical, or related industries.
• 3+ years hands-on experience with optical assembly, integration, alignment, and test (AI&T).
• Experience working with Zygo Inferometers
• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Skilled in the following: Zemax, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for design analysis and system performance modeling.
• Experience with defining, implementing, and using Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Prior work in New Product Introduction (NPI) processes
• Experience working within the space and/or defense industry is highly preferred for this role
• Experience directly engaging with external suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Background in visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral imaging systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with high reliability or flight program lifecycles, including design, integration, test, or operations for optical or imaging hardware (preferred).
• Advanced degree such as MS or PhD in relevant scientific/engineering discipline is preferred.
• Must meet U.S. export control eligibility requirements ("U.S. person" status as defined by EAR/ITAR).

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.