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Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology

Cowboy Space Corporation· Lasers & Optical Communications Engineering
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San Carlos, California$145k - $175kFull-timePosted 1w ago

About the role

Optical Engineer, Test & Metrology responsible for designing and executing tests to verify laser and optical communications hardware from components to satellite integration, primarily in-lab with growing responsibility for test campaigns and data-driven design feedback.

Responsibilities

  • Build, align, and operate optical test setups for free-space, fiber-optic, and interferometric components and subassemblies.
  • Measure optical performance, including power, spectrum, beam quality, wavefront, polarization, and alignment, and reduce the data into clear results.
  • Develop test plans and procedures with lead engineers, then execute them and record results accurately.
  • Support testing as hardware moves through integration: components, subassemblies, deployable opto-mechanical assemblies, the optical payload, and the full satellite.
  • Operate test equipment including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, beam profilers, wavefront sensors, and interferometers.
  • Write scripts to automate measurements and data analysis.
  • Investigate anomalies and feed findings back into the design.
  • Support field campaigns, including ground station setup, fiber-optic system checkout, and validation of pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT).
  • Follow laser safety procedures and keep test setups, calibration records, and configuration logs current.
  • Domestic and international travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optics or photonics lab environment.
  • Experience with precision benchtop optical alignment.
  • Experience operating standard optical test equipment (power meters, OSAs, oscilloscopes, beam profilers).
  • Working knowledge of optics fundamentals: Gaussian beams, fiber coupling, polarization, and interferometry.
  • Experience analyzing measurement data in Python or a similar language.
  • Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety practices.

Skills

Required:Optical test measurementOptical alignmentTest planning and executionPython data analysis

Benefits

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • Unlimited paid time off
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
Last updated Oct 25, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Cowboy Space Corporation

Powering Humanity From the High Frontier

Cowboy Space Corp. is building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence. It is an integrated system of satellites and rockets to haul high-performance compute and optical data transmission down from Low Earth Orbit. Earth's energy grid can't run at the pace of AI. We can.

Orbital Data CentersAI compute in spacesolar-powered data centersLow Earth Orbitpower grid in space
Company profileWebsite

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