OPTICAL SCIENTIST/ENGINEER

OPTICAL SCIENTIST/ENGINEER

Wyvern is making something big. Our vision is to provide actionable intelligence from space, anywhere in the solar system. To achieve this, we need to entirely reimagine how satellite Earth observation is done. We are a rapidly growing space company in Western Canada, powered by humans who are passionate about space and building a better Earth, from space.

If you're excited by the prospect of being part of the space industry and want to make a difference designing and building the optical payloads of the future, this could be the role for you.

WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON

Wyvern is developing telescopes to capture better hyperspectral imagery from space. Hyperspectral images contain more data than other types of imagery, capturing the spectral signature of your crop or forest, for example.

With hyperspectral imagery, however, it’s hard to get quality images with a high signal-to-noise ratio and resolution. To mitigate this, and as part of our long-term vision, we’re designing telescopes that are compact on launch and deploy in space, meaning we pack better performance in a smaller, more affordable package.

We’re looking to expand our optical team with an individual knowledgeable and experienced in optical telescope design principles and practices. You’ll play a key role in a supportive team, where your insights and expertise will help shape the future of our hyperspectral camera systems, while also providing opportunities for personal growth and mentorship.

WHO YOU ARE

• You have at least 2 years of optical design and engineering experience encompassing some or all of the following:
• Optical design of incoherent imaging systems using principles of geometric and diffractive optics;
• Stray light analysis and baffle design;
• Radiometry analysis and detector performance;
• Spectrometers or hyperspectral systems;
• Optical alignment and test methods;
• You are a solid communicator and can explain technical concepts about your work to non-technical people with ease;
• You are familiar with optical design software (preferably, Ansys Zemax OpticStudio) and can accurately model and analyze optical system performance;
• You have a strong knowledge of optical design and assembly principles and practices including key image quality and spectral performance metrics;
• You are fluent in basic mathematical or system modeling tools, preferably Python;
• You thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy sharing your ideas and working with others to solve complex engineering challenges together;
• You have demonstrated the ability to collaborate with others in a team environment and consider yourself an inclusive person;
• You have a Bachelor’s or Masters degree in optical engineering, optics, physics, or equivalent;
• Must be a resident of, or currently legally authorized to work in Canada.

Additionally:

• Knowledge of satellite optical payloads and the constraints of the space environment on optical design and performance are an asset;
• A PhD in optical engineering, optics, physics, or equivalent, is an asset;
• Eligibility for registration with APEGA as an EIT or P.Eng is an asset.

If you have a background in optical design and engineering, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and skills.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Partnering closely with our hardware team this role will:

• Bring your creativity and innovative thinking to develop new optical solutions that will make a meaningful impact on our mission to revolutionize Earth observation;
• Use Ansys Zemax OpticStudio and a solid knowledge of optics and optical engineering to develop and refine detailed optical system designs including:
• Optical tolerancing analyses;
• Optical design of imaging systems;
• Alignment and test parameter specification and evaluation;
• Stray light analysis and baffle design;
• Support a structural, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) analysis workflow with imaging performance evaluation, in concert with our mechanical engineering team;
• Support assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of optical payloads:
• Identify and recommend optimum testing solutions (equipment and conditions) for optical systems with input from other hardware team members;
• Develop AIT plans and support procurement of test equipment;
• Perform telescope assembly, subsystem assembly, and overall system integration of components (occasional travel to Edmonton if remote based);
• Writing technical reports and participate in design reviews;
• Contributing to our IP strategy and supporting basic research activities; and
• And likely more! As part of a small startup team you’ll find yourself working across the board to support Wyvern’s activities.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WYVERN

• We have all the best aspects of startup culture, including flexible working hours & support from across the team whenever you need it.
• We give ample vacation time, a health benefits package, and stock options.
• We’re small but rapidly growing. The systems you craft will be foundational to Wyvern’s success and you will get the unique opportunity to grow with the company.
• This is a full-time, permanent position based either in Edmonton or from a remote work location within Canada.