Laser Systems Engineer/Scientist
AstroForge
Software Engineering
Seal Beach, CA, USA
USD 120k-180k / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 16, 2025
Laser Systems Engineer/Scientist
Seal Beach
Science
In office
Full-time
About AstroForge
At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and with a smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Laser Systems Engineer/Scientist to architect, develop, and validate beam-delivery and targeting subsystems for our mining platforms capable of operating both in terrestrial environments and in the extreme conditions of asteroid mining missions. You will lead end-to-end beam-train design, automated aiming, and material-interaction testing across pulsed and CW regimes, progressing from lab prototypes to ruggedized, field-deployed hardware for both Earth-based testbeds and space-qualified systems.
Responsibilities
- Beam-Train Architecture & Assembly: Design and assemble complete optical paths, including coatings, mirrors, fiber/optics interfaces, beam shaping and alignment fixtures, optimized for harsh mining environments with variable gravity, dust, debris, and thermal extremes.
- Automated Aiming & Targeting: Develop and integrate precision laser-aiming subsystems capable of tracking and engaging ore bodies on moving asteroid surfaces as well as in dynamic terrestrial mining sites, ensuring accuracy despite environmental vibrations or microgravity drift.
- Ablation & Damage-Threshold Testing for Mining Materials: Plan and execute ore ablation experiments on representative asteroid regolith, metallic ores, and rock samples. Characterize material removal rates, plasma plume behavior, and optical component survivability under repeat mining cycles.
- Laser Trade Studies with Mining Context: Conduct comparative analyses of laser types, wavelengths, and beam formats for cutting, vaporizing, or fragmenting mining targets. Lead wavelength-selection campaigns considering ore composition, efficiency, dust suppression, safety, and supply-chain constraints.
- Prototype Iteration & Field Trials: Drive rapid prototype builds through Earth-based mining site trials and space-analog tests (vacuum chambers, parabolic flights). Oversee range-testing cycles, from dry-runs to live engagements, capturing performance data for refining designs.
- Documentation & Reporting: Produce detailed technical reports, alignment procedures, and mining-specific test plans. Present findings to stakeholders, and update design specifications for both space mission integration and industrial deployment.
Basic Qualifications
- BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Strong analytical mindset, collaborative communication, and problem-solving in field or laboratory environments.
- 2+ years in high-power or directed-energy laser development, optical-train engineering, or related fields.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Deep expertise in optical design software (Zemax, Code V) and CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo).
- Hands-on experience with high-power coatings and fiber-optic interfaces for dusty or vacuum conditions.
- Proven track record of ablation testing and damage-threshold characterization, especially for metallic ores and silicate materials.
- Familiarity with pulsed and CW laser architectures, wavelength trade-offs, and safety standards in industrial mining and spaceflight contexts.
- Experience with environmental qualification testing (vibration, thermal shock, vacuum).
- Background in optical fiber handling, splice qualification, and contamination-control protocols.
- Knowledge of laser safety standards (ANSI Z136), ITAR regulations, and space system safety requirements.
Why Join Us?
At AstroForge, you’ll be at the forefront of space exploration and resource acquisition, working on challenges that have never been tackled before. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of asteroid mining and contribute to a revolutionary industry with immense scientific, economic, and environmental potential.
Salary
$120k - $180k
Benefits
- Full healthcare benefits
- Life insurance coverage
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Stock options in AstroForge
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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Req ID: R60