Optical Lens Designer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. Our staff includes subject matter experts across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency; infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. 

The Electro-Optical Sensor Performance Section within the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department supports passive electro-optical remote sensing payload development and test with design and analysis. Projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. System design concepts are developed and analyzed against mission requirements. In a concurrent engineering environment, systems are evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective to determine on-orbit performance. We are looking for an Optical Lens Designer to design optical systems for a wide variety of remote sensing programs.

Work Model

This is a full time position based in  El Segundo, Ca , offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 days/week regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, model, and analyze passive electro-optical airborne and space-based remote sensing systems using standard ray tracing tools (e.g. CodeV, Zemax). Systems include broadband visible and infrared systems, multi- and hyper-spectral imaging systems, and visible and infrared non-imaging (point source detection) systems
• Generate novel remote sensing payload concepts to meet evolving customer requirements. Provide performance analysis of passive remote sensing electro-optical sensor systems for assessing proposed designs and developing technical performance requirements
• Experience in establishing business goals and strategies

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Optical Lens Designer

• Bachelor's degree in  STEM and/or in optics, physics, electrical engineering or equivalent is required 
• A minimum of 5 or more years of increasing, applicable professional or educational experience  performing optical design
• Experience performing detailed optical system design and analysis using optical ray trace code software such as CodeV or Zemax is required 
• Strong computer programming skills (e.g. data analysis, scripting) in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB, ENVI/IDL, or Mathematica
• Analytical skills in passive remote sensing electro-optical system performance evaluation including radiometry, optical design and testing, and sensor performance metrics
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with government customers, and with contractor personnel
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Optical Lens Designer Specialist include:

• Master’s  degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering or equivalent is highly preferred
• A minimum of 8 or more years of increasing, applicable professional or educational experience  performing detailed optical system design and analysis using optical ray trace code software such as CodeV o