Payload Alignment Lead

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Payload Alignment Lead to join our elite team in the development and implementation of optical payloads for next-generation space telescopes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical engineering, space systems, and precision alignment techniques, automation of alignment processes, and production efficiency. This role requires leadership in all aspects of optical alignment, from establishing requirements to final system validation, ensuring the successful design, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for space missions, while significantly accelerating alignment timelines through innovative automation solutions. Your expertise will be critical in bridging the gap between laboratory precision and production requirements, enabling our mission to deliver unprecedented imaging capabilities from space. 

What You’ll Do:

Requirements and Budgeting:

• Define and establish alignment requirements for the entire optical system  
• Develop and manage alignment budgets, including tolerance analysis, loss calculations and 1G effects 
• Create comprehensive alignment procedures and performance qualification plans 
• Implement alignment techniques to achieve sub-micron precision 
• Develop automation strategies for alignment processes to reduce cycle times and improve repeatability 

Technical Leadership:

• Select appropriate alignment equipment and methodologies  
• Lead the design and implementation of optical alignment instrumentation and systems
• Oversee the alignment process for all optical components, including primary mirror, secondary mirror, other optics and sensor systems  
• Design and implement alignment solutions for complex aspheric surfaces and off-axis optical systems 
• Create automated alignment workflows to accelerate integration timelines by 30-50% 

Collaboration and Integration: 

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including system architect, opto-mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers  
• Coordinate with external suppliers and stakeholders to ensure alignment goals are met 
• Integrate alignment processes with overall spacecraft systems and mission requirements 
• Develop transition plans from alignment lab to production environment to maintain precision while meeting schedule demands 

Testing and Validation: 

• Develop and execute acceptance test procedures for end-to-end system performance 
• Perform or guide electro-optical characterization of imaging sensors 
• Conduct environmental testing to validate alignment stability under space conditions 
• Implement automated data collection and analysis systems for real-time alignment verification 
• Develop production-friendly validation protocols that maintain precision while reducing testing time 

Your Ideal Skills and Experience:

• Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field 
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in optical payload design and alignment for space applications 
• Extensive knowledge of interferometry, wavefront sensing, and other optical alignment techniques  
• Familiarity with space-grade optical systems, including mirrors, lenses, and sensors  
• Experience with optical modeling software and analysis tools 
• Strong project management and leadership skills  
• Excellent communication abilities to interface with diverse teams and stakeholders