Staff Optical Engineer

Location: Playa Vista, California, United States

Department: Reentry

Who We Are:  

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world.  We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth.   

What You’ll Do: 
As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the optical systems that enable our vehicles to sense, navigate, and perform in extreme environments. You will lead the development of sensor windows, seeker architectures, and a variety of spectral camera systems from early trades through analysis, integration, and test. This is a unique opportunity to define the optical hardware for first-of-their-kind reentry systems and help ensure it performs when it matters most. In this role, you will: 

• Lead the development of sensor window and seeker design and analysis for Inversion flight systems. 

• Own the development of spectral camera systems, including architecture, component selection, integration, and performance trades. 

• Perform optical analyses including transmission, image quality, stray light, thermal effects, and environmental impacts on performance. 

• Work closely with mechanical, thermal, avionics, autonomy, and test teams to integrate optical hardware into flight systems. 

• Evaluate and select lenses, detectors, coatings, optical materials, and vendor solutions to meet mission requirements. 

• Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and related validation campaigns. 

• Translate test and analysis results into clear recommendations that improve system performance and reduce risk. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience. 

• 9+ years of applicable experience designing, analyzing, and testing optical systems. 

• Experience with imaging systems. 

• Experience using optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or equivalent software. 

• Strong understanding of optical materials, coatings, sensor windows, and environmental effects on optical performance. 

• Experience planning and performing optical bench or lab testing. 

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with high ownership. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. 

• Experience with aerospace, spaceflight, hypersonic, or reentry optical systems. 

• Experience with seeker design, boresight stability, MTF, radiometry, and stray light analysis. 

• Experience developing and qualifying camera systems for harsh environments. 

• Experience working directly with vendors to develop custom optical hardware. 

• Experience supporting environmental, field, or flight test campaigns for optical systems. 

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $161,000-$221,000.  Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.