Optical Engineer
US$161,000 – US$221,000 / yr base salary
Posted 14 Apr 2026
Advertised as “Staff Optical Engineer”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 9+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- On-Site
| Base salary | US$161,000 – US$221,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyElectrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyOptical Engineering, Physics (or related)
Study levelMaster's or higher
Advanced Reentry Technologies
**Who We Are:
**
Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.
The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.
Position Overview:
As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the optical systems that enable our vehicles to sense, navigate, and perform in extreme environments. You will lead the development of sensor windows, seeker architectures, and a variety of spectral camera systems from early trades through analysis, integration, and test. This is a unique opportunity to define the optical hardware for first-of-their-kind reentry systems and help ensure it performs when it matters most.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of sensor window and seeker design and analysis for Inversion flight systems.
- Own the development of spectral camera systems, including architecture, component selection, integration, and performance trades.
- Perform optical analyses including transmission, image quality, stray light, thermal effects, and environmental impacts on performance.
- Work closely with mechanical, thermal, avionics, autonomy, and test teams to integrate optical hardware into flight systems.
- Evaluate and select lenses, detectors, coatings, optical materials, and vendor solutions to meet mission requirements.
- Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and related validation campaigns.
- Translate test and analysis results into clear recommendations that improve system performance and reduce risk.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.