About the Role:
The Integration & Test team is looking for an Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer to own our optics lab and support the build and verification of our next generation laser communications system. This is a hands-on role at the center of our hardware development - you will work directly alongside optical and photonics engineers during complex builds, alignments, and verification campaigns. The ideal candidate is technically strong, highly organized, and at home in a high-power laser lab.
Responsibilities:- Own lab operations including equipment calibration schedules, inventory, and configuration management of test setups.
- Maintain laser safety requirements including interlocks, PPE, and posted procedures in coordination with the Laser Safety Officer.
- Assist engineers with setup and alignment of free-space optical assemblies, interferometric subassemblies, and fiber-optic components.
- Support integration and alignment of deployable opto-mechanical assemblies.
- Support field demonstration campaigns including ground station setup, fiber-optic system checkout, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) system validation.
- Execute formal test procedures and record results accurately.
- Operate test equipment including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, and beam profilers.
- Maintain lab documentation including cable and fiber routing logs, component records, and test configurations.
- Coordinate with facilities on lab infrastructure, power, and safety requirements.
Basic Qualifications:- 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonics lab environment.
- Experience operating standard optical test equipment (OSAs, power meters, oscilloscopes, beam profilers).
- Ability to perform precision optical alignment on a bench.
- Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety requirements.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with high-power fiber laser or amplifier systems.
- Experience handling and assembling precision opto-mechanical hardware including interferometric or polarization-sensitive assemblies.
- Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.
- Experience managing a shared lab across multiple engineers and programs.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optical Technology, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$145,000 - $223,000 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.
DisclaimerThis 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.
