Optical Engineer

About Cowboy Space Corp:

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

About the role:

As an Optical Engineer at Cowboy Space Corp., you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and integrating optical systems for space-based laser platforms. This role requires expertise in laser system design, optical simulation, and the integration of optical components into highly engineered satellite structures. You will work on innovative technologies to optimize the performance of laser systems under the challenging conditions of space.

Responsibilities:

• Optical System Design: Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to design, simulate, and optimize optical systems for laser-based satellite platforms.

• Lens & Detector Systems: Design lens systems, calculate focal lengths, and analyze lens parameters. Work with CCD and/or CMOS sensors to capture images and evaluate performance at the focal plane.

• Laser System Design & Integration: Design and model laser systems, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers, and integrate them with mechanical structures for space deployment.

• Nonlinear Optical Systems: Characterize and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems, including laser amplifiers and nonlinear optical materials.

• Remote Sensing & Beam Propagation: Contribute to the development of laser-based remote sensing technologies such as laser radar, radiometry, and beam propagation.

• System Prototyping & Testing: Lead the development, assembly, and characterization of laser and optical systems. Conduct lab testing to validate system designs and ensure they meet performance specifications.

• Mechanical Integration: Work closely with the mechanical engineering team to design and integrate opto-mechanical systems for satellite platforms, ensuring that optical components can withstand the rigors of space.

• Trade Studies & Optimization: Perform design trade studies to optimize system performance, cost, weight, and size for both the optical and mechanical aspects of laser systems.

• System Validation: Support environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation tests, to validate the durability of the systems in space environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.

• 2+ years of experience in optical, electro-optical, or laser system design and development.

• Experience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) for lens and laser system design.

• Understanding of CCD/CMOS sensor technology and image capture at the focal plane.

• Knowledge of laser types, including gas, solid-state, fiber, and semiconductor lasers.

• Hands-on experience with laser system prototyping, testing, and characterization.

• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, laser beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and laser drive electronics.

• Experience with numerical analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python for analyzing optical and laser system performance.

• Experience with integrating optical systems into mechanical structures, particularly in space applications.

• Strong understanding of laser system failure analysis and troubleshooting.

• Previous experience working in a professional or academic lab environment, conducting experiments and testing.

• Experience with space-qualified laser and optical systems design, assembly, and verification.

• Experience working in cross-functional teams with mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineers to deliver high-performance laser and optical systems.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.