Optical Engineer

About the role

Cowboy Space Corp is building a next‑generation laser communications system for low‑Earth‑orbit satellites. The Optical Engineer will design and deliver the free‑space optical path that links the transmitter, ground‑receive telescope, and diagnostic subsystems, working closely with laser, mechanical and systems engineers.

Key responsibilities

• Design and optimise free‑space optical assemblies such as beam expanders, collimators and telescope interfaces.
• Develop and maintain optical system models in Zemax or Code V, including tolerance and stray‑light analyses.
• Define optical interface specifications for mechanical and opto‑mechanical designs.
• Specify, procure and oversee acceptance testing of custom optics, coatings and filters.
• Own the optical coupling efficiency budget from the receive telescope to fiber injection.
• Perform structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses in coordination with mechanical and thermal teams.
• Establish alignment budgets, verification procedures and execute hands‑on integration and alignment in the lab.
• Produce design specifications, analysis reports and test plans.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience designing free‑space optical systems.
• Proficiency with Zemax or Code V.
• Hands‑on experience in optical alignment, tolerance budgeting and multi‑physics performance modelling.

Required skills

• Zemax
• Code V
• Optical tolerance budgeting
• Monte Carlo methods for tolerance analysis
• Structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analysis
• Fiber‑to‑free‑space coupling and single‑mode fiber injection
• Specification, procurement and acceptance testing of custom optical components and coatings