Optical Engineer V (Additional Duty: Director, High Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence) NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities:

The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum — from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors. We create novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts and mission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop navigational tracking to understand where we are and how to ensure robust engineering and science data return.

The Optics & Spectroscopy Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

Position Purpose: We invite you to join the Optics and Spectroscopy Section Staff as an Optical Engineer V. In addition to your primary engineering responsibilities, you will be appointed to serve as the Director of the High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence.

The Director role is an additional duty assignment with a duration of three (3) years, which is renewable. You will report administratively to the Section Manager.

As an Optical Engineer V, you will apply your expertise to the research, design, and implementation of complex optical systems. In your renewable 3-year capacity as Director, you will serve as the principal visionary and strategic advisor for the High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence. NASA recognizes JPL as the lead center for starlight suppression/high contrast imaging, including a state-of-the-art facility designed to characterize techniques for starlight suppression. This additional duty provides elite technical counsel and champions the advancement of next-generation technologies—such as coronagraphs, starshades, and wavefront sensing—needed to image habitable exoplanets as well as preparing the agency for testing for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The Director acts as a vital bridge between cross-functional research teams, external partners, and executive leadership to steer the strategic direction of the field.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

Primary Duties (Optical Engineer V)

• Lead the detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis, and implementation of advanced ground and space-based optical systems.
• Oversee alignment, test, and calibration of complex optical instruments and systems.
• Drive system architecture, concept definition, and the research and development of optics-related technologies.

Additional Duties (Director, High-Contrast Imaging Center of Excellence - 3-Year Renewable Assignment)

Strategic Advisory & Technology Guidance

• Define and champion the long-term technology roadmap for high-contrast imaging, recommending investment priorities to executive decision-makers.
• Serve as the technical authority on complex optical architectures, advising on the viability and integration of emerging technologies.
• Provide independent technical assessments and risk-mitigation strategies for high-priority projects and future space mission concepts.

Ecosystem Influence & Partnership Building

• Cultivate collaborative networks across academia, industry primes, and space agencies to align disparate research efforts with overarching mission goals.
• Influence external standard-setting bodies and working groups to solidify the Center’s reputation as a thought leader.
• Advise proposal teams on strategic framing to secure grants, institutional funding, and public-private partnerships.

Knowledge Synthesis & Thought Leadership

• Monitor global advancements in starlight suppression to synthesize breakthrough findings into actionable insights for the organization.
• Publish authoritative white papers, deliver keynote presentations, and represent the Center at high-profile international astrophysics symposia.
• Convene and chair technical advisory panels, workshops, and peer reviews to foster knowledge exchange.

Mentorship & Community Cultivation

• Act as mentor to senior scientists and engineers, offering technical guidance to accelerate their professional development.
• Foster a culture of open innovation, cross-disciplinary thinking, and scientific excellence across the broader organizational community.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors in Optical Engineering, Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related physics discipline with a minimum of 12 years of related work experience, Masters in similar disciplines with a minimum of 10 years of work-related experience, or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related physics discipline with a minimum of 8 years of related work experience.
• Experience: 12+ years of internationally recognized expertise in space- or ground-based high-contrast imaging, with a legacy of influencing major instrumentation roadmaps.
• Leadership Style: Exceptional matrix-leadership, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to exert high influence without direct authority.

Preferred Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of multiple technical subject areas with significant expertise in technology development, telescopes, imaging spectrometers, and lenses.
• Extensive understanding and wide application of sophisticated measurement principles, theories, concepts and techniques in definition, design, development and verification of complex technologies.
• Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication including presenting science, engineering and project results to large audiences.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.