Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Title: Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer
Location: San Francisco, CA (onsite)
Job Duties

• Lead the transition of complex optical systems from development into repeatable, high-yield manufacturing environments
• Support assembly, integration, alignment, and test activities for precision optical instruments and imaging payloads
• Create and maintain detailed build procedures, metrology processes, alignment methods (warm and cold), and performance verification plans
• Design and implement mechanical and electrical tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for cleanroom assembly and testing
• Analyze alignment, calibration, and characterization data to assess performance and track production metrics
• Own nonconformance investigations, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts
• Partner with optical and mechanical design teams to provide DFM and DFA feedback throughout the product lifecycle
• Oversee external suppliers supporting optical component fabrication and assembly
• Support technician training and help transition manufacturing efforts from R&D into scaled production
• Identify and recommend facility upgrades and capital equipment needed to expand manufacturing capability

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 6+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years hands-on with optical system assembly, integration, alignment, and test
• Strong background in optomechanical assembly, bonding, and alignment in cleanroom environments
• Experience using analysis and design tools such as Zemax, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++
• Proficiency reading technical drawings and using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools to design fixtures and tooling
• Background defining and implementing manufacturing processes, including New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, test, and operations teams with a hands-on approach
• High attention to detail and strong technical writing skills for procedures, test plans, and data summaries
• Experience with visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral imaging systems
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies
• Exposure to MES and PLM systems
• Experience across the full spaceflight or complex hardware program lifecycle
• Additional relevant technical education or certifications
• This position requires access to export-controlled information. Candidates must be eligible to access such information in accordance with U.S. export control regulations