Optical Engineer III

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

As a member of the Blue Origin family of companies Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years, establishing ourselves as pioneers in developing novel exploration systems for the most extreme planetary environments. At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the development of practical In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) solutions. We search for technically brilliant individuals in engineering, software, and support fields who take ownership of their work, enjoy collaborating in teams, and have a laser focus on the details that drive excellence.

As part of a hardworking team of multi-disciplinary engineers, you will support the development of optical sensing instrumentation for Blue Origin's spacecraft, and development of optical systems intended for future planetary exploration. You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team in the development of instrumentation integrating optical, electrical, and mechanical components. This includes development of laser, spectroscopic, and imaging systems from early concepts to prototypes and flight qualified units. This role is deeply interdisciplinary and requires coordination among a variety of internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the design, development, build, test, and qualification of optical systems for space applications, including laser-based, spectroscopic, and/or imaging systems
• Work with a team of engineers and technicians across multiple product teams to deliver qualified laser spectroscopy solutions on-schedule and on-budget
• As required, conduct advanced optical analysis leveraging industry-standard software tools, including stray light analysis, tolerancing, and radiometric modeling
• Create detailed specifications for optical components that satisfy requirements
• Perform and guide testing and analyses, including thermal vacuum and vibration testing, to validate top-level system specifications and requirements
• Support development of sensor architectures for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) and other product teams and deliver optical systems that meet measurement requirements for human spaceflight
• Support optical instrument development that addresses NASA's science and exploration goals across the entire lifecycle from conceptual design to deployment
• Seek out opportunities for rapid low-fidelity prototyping, breadboarding, and testing of optical systems
• Routinely collaborate with supply chain, operations, and other teams within the company to ensure smooth execution of turning designs into physical prototypes
• Relentlessly look for opportunities to increase performance, enable new capabilities and bolder missions, reduce cost, and reduce cycle time/production time

Special Mentions:

• Location for this role is Altadena, CA

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or a related area of study
• 5+ years of experience in optics, optical engineering, laser technology
• Demonstrated experience in the development, prototyping, and testing of optical systems for aerospace, automotive, medical, or robotics applications
• Proficiency in the fundamentals of optical system development and deep knowledge of optical system components (lenses and filters, detectors, lasers, etc.) and their characterization
• Proficiency in optical system modeling and simulation using tools such as ZEMAX or CODE V and understanding of core optical engineering principles for analyses including ray tracing, throughput, and stray light
• Ability to find creative solutions to complex problems, break down issues to their fundamental elements, and drive efficient product solutions with emphasis on long term goals and product sustainability
• Proven ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering disciplines to deliver integrated optical instrumentation
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills to influence a variety of direct and indirect stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in optical engineering, physics, or related areas of study with a focus on optical sensors / instruments
• Previous involvement in the design and deployment of optical systems for space applications
• Experience in the design and implementation of precision optomechanical assemblies
• Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams through successful product deliveries
• Working knowledge of the NASA project lifecycle and familiarity with NASA human spaceflight standards
• Experience in product schedule, cost, delivery, and supplier management
• Strong technical writing experience for publications or proposals

Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification, Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

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