Senior Optical; AIT Engineer

Senior Optical (AIT) Engineer

Category:
Engineering

Employment Type:

Contract

Reference: BH-392220

Senior Optical Engineer responsible for the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced electro‑optical imaging payloads used in Earth‑observation satellites. The role is hands‑on, involves cross‑functional collaboration, and requires full‑time on‑site presence in San Francisco.

• Coordinate and execute optical manufacturing, including optical metrology, alignment, and troubleshooting for telescopes and sensors.
• Perform warm and cold alignment, calibration, and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and complete instruments.
• Write test plans, analyze alignment and calibration data, and improve testing processes.
• Develop and expand test software and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) for automated characterization and performance testing.
• Support optomechanical manufacturing, bonding, fixturing, and cleanroom integration activities.
• Lead ongoing design, manufacturing, testing, and operational support of imaging payloads.
• Collaborate with external partners to transfer imaging system expertise into Planet.
• Provide technical oversight of external vendors.

• 6‑8 years relevant experience with airborne or space‑based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes.
• 3+ years hands‑on experience with assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments.
• Proficiency using Zemax, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for optical design and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated skill in troubleshooting and debugging complex optical/electro‑optical systems.
• Experience developing and executing GSE.
• Background working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators.
• Strong documentation skills for recording test procedures and data.
• Experience in manufacturing or production environments, including NPI.
• Degree in Optical Engineering or equivalent technical field.

• Experience with visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral imaging systems.
• Experience across full space‑flight lifecycle: design, AI&T, or operations of imaging hardware.
• Familiarity with handling large datasets for storage, processing, or analysis.
• Experience collaborating across organizational and technical boundaries.
• MS/PhD in EE, CS, AA, or similar engineering/scientific discipline.

• Telescope Work
• Aerospace Work
• AIT Work

Min Rate: $70.00

Max Rate: $75.00

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.