Optics Design & Test Engineer II

Duration: Full-time

Location: Sahakarnagar, Bengaluru

Qualification: Masters degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant opto-mechanical systems development experience

Job Responsibilities

Optical System Design & Analysis

Lead design, modelling, and performance analysis of optical assemblies for space laser communication payloads.

Conduct tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and system performance predictions using Zemax, Code V, or equivalent tools.

Optimize optical architectures for manufacturability, reliability, and mission constraints.

Integration & Qualification

Own alignment and testing of optical systems through prototyping, environmental testing, and final qualification.

Drive troubleshooting and issue resolution during critical development phases under aggressive timelines.

Component Definition & Procurement

Develop detailed specifications for lenses, coatings, detectors, and related subsystems.

Partner with vendors and suppliers to ensure delivery of high-quality, space-qualified components.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Work with mechanical, avionics, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration of optics in the final system.

Provide technical leadership in design reviews and mentor junior engineers on best practices.

Documentation & Delivery

Prepare design reports, qualification documents, and test results with a high degree of clarity and detail.

Ensure deliverables meet technical and programmatic deadlines.

Required Skills/Experience

Masters degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.

3+ years of industry experience in optical system design, analysis, and testing (aerospace, satellite, or high-precision optics preferred).

Hands-on expertise with optical design software (Zemax, Code V or equivalent).

Strong knowledge of optical alignment, tolerance analysis, and space environmental factors.

Good understanding of mechanical design principles & geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)

Practical experience with optical metrology, alignment techniques, system integration, and qualification testing.

Good documentation & report writing skills

Proven ability to deliver under tight schedules and demanding program milestones.

Desired Skills/Experience

Experience with space-qualified materials, adhesives, and opto-mechanical systems.

Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for data analysis and test automation.

Experience working with optical benches, collimators, beam profilers etc.

Knowledge of space optical systems, machining and integration processes

Strong vendor management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Other Requirements

Motivated to work within a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment

Self-driven desire to learn more & continuously upskill themselves

Ability to deal with challenges, and work out solutions in a team setting

Critical thinking, ability to critique design and make independent decisions

Relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of work

Strong interpersonal and organization skills to enable working in a dynamic team

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Benefits

Health Insurance coverage

Flexible working hours

Opportunity to publish research on behalf of Astrogate Labs in national and international conferences

If you like working in a fast-paced environment with a talented multi-disciplinary team on developing and maturing state-of-the-art LaserComm systems, then this role might be for you.

Astrogate Labs is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Us

Astrogate Labs is a space-technology start-up based in Bengaluru, building core technologies in laser communication terminals and networks for small-satellites. Astrogate Labs aims to simplify, reduce cost of communication, and enable satellites send more data to ground. We have developed one of the industrys smallest optical communication terminals targeted for small satellite use, further scaling our products and aiming for our first satellite mission. We aim to revolutionize satellite communications and support the growing satellite downlink needs with a network of optical ground stations and in-space relays using the technologies developed in-house.

Why Join Astrogate Labs?

Work on cutting-edge technology: Build laser communication systems that are 100x faster than traditional RF, deployed on satellites and defense platforms and the only scalable solution for building inter-planetary internet

Real impact: Your work will directly contribute to Indias space capabilities and national security applications

Ownership: In a lean & agile team, youll have significant responsibility and visibility across the entire product lifecycle

Learning: Work alongside experienced aerospace engineers and advisors

Growth: Be part of a rapidly scaling startup backed by marquee investors, with clear pathways to leadership roles

Our Culture

Were a startup, which means hustle is part of the DNA. Expect fast iterations and the need to be resourceful. However, we balance this with deep technical rigor were building systems that cant afford to fail.

We value:

Technical excellence with a bias for action

Collaborative problem-solving across disciplines

Curiosity and continuous learning

Pragmatism balanced with innovation