**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 Optics Section (3830)** provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are crucial to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of sophisticated 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; optical hardware integration and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems. We invite you to join the **Optics Section** to serve as an **Optical Engineer II.** You will be reporting administratively to the **Group Supervisor of the Metrology and Photonics Applications Group (383H).** This group specializes in nanometer- and picometer-precision measurement devices and techniques, picometer-precision control devices such as deformable mirrors, and space-qualified photonics components and subsystems used in support of high-precision space science instruments, high contrast imaging instruments and ultra-stable observatories (such as cameras, laser metrology devices, etc). **The High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT)** is the world’s foremost facility for demonstrating technologies capable of imaging and characterizing Earth-like exoplanets orbiting nearby stars. This facility was used to develop the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope Coronagraph Instrument (CGI) and will transform into the development facility for the **Habitable World’s Observatory (HWO).** The success of these missions critically depends on the development of novel, ultra-precise technologies and control algorithms such as picometer-precision laser metrology, large-format deformable mirrors, and ground-breaking control algorithms. **We seek an Optical Engineer II to:** Support operation of and further coronagraphic technology development for the High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT); Support and/or lead the development of ultra-precision technology and control algorithms for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO); Support the development and delivery of spaceflight rated photonics devices and subsystems to NASA ultra-stable observatory missions. **Tasks will include but not be limited to:** + Develop novel control algorithms for picometer precision deformable mirrors such as coronagraphic dark hole maintenance scripts. + Characterize photonics and optical control components and subsystems, such as EMCCD/qCMOS cameras and deformable mirrors, and implement them in higher-level system architectures. + Support operation of existing HCIT and in-development HWO testbeds. + Optical systems engineering including developing error budgets for components, subsystems, and systems. + Collaborating with integrated modelling teams and providing characterization and science data in support of integrated modelling efforts. + Planning and coordination of technology development activities including cost and schedule. **Qualifications:** + Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical field with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on hardware experience; Master’s degree in similar fields with a minimum of 1 years; or Ph.D. in an area related to optical engineering and/or physics with no required years of related experience. + Hands-on experience and advanced knowledge in picometer-precision photonics and optical control devices such as deformable mirrors. + Experience with ultra-stable optical systems such as ultra-stable telescopes and coronagraphs + Experience in interface-layer hardware control software. + Extensive understanding of fundamental principles, theories, and concepts with applications to optical instrumentation. + Extensive experience in at least one common scientific programming language (Python, Matlab, C++, etc). + Excellent verbal and written communication skills. **Preferred skills:** + Experience with precision optical diagnostic tools such as digital microscopes, confocal microscopes, interferometers (e.g. Zygo or Wyko), polarimeters, spectrometers. + Experience with multiple common scientific programming languages. + Experience with spaceflight-qualified or high-altitude hardware design, implementation and/or operation. 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 (https://www.jpl.jobs/benefits-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. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable. The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $119,808 - $144,872 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. EEO is the Law. (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) EEO is the Law Supplement Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp\_English\_unformattedESQA508c.pdf) 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 (https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control) .