Optics Lab Manager
Overview Energy · Ashburn · $110,000–$165,000 (stated in the posting)
About Overview Energy
Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared light. We're in the earliest phase, where every optical experiment that proves out our system is built, aligned, and run by a small, dedicated team. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.
About the Role
We're looking for an Optics Lab Manager to own our optics lab end-to-end: the space, the equipment, the test setups, and the experiments that run on them. You'll be the hands-on implementation lead for our optics team, turning experimentation goals into lab hardware.
Our optics team designs the system. You make it real on the bench. Today, lab bandwidth is the constraint on how fast we learn, and this role removes it. This person sets the pace for the team's progress in the coming months and years.
This role reports to our Director of Optics. Our optics team works across three functions: design, experimentation, and fielding; you will own experimentation, the bridge between them. It is a high-autonomy position for an experienced experimentalist: we define the project goals and technical risks as an integrated team, and you derive the experimental setups that retire them. You'll implement repeatable processes while training and mentoring the growing team. You'll also sit on the project team from the earliest design discussions, proposing fast lab tests that answer design questions and feeding results straight back into the design, so we iterate quickly through testing rather than analysis alone.
What You'll Do
Turn goals into experiments: translate project goals and technical risks into experiment plans and setups, choosing the method and estimating the time it will take.
Build test setups: design or fabricate custom mounts and fixtures (with CAD support from our design team), and assemble optical, fiber, mechanical, and electronic components into functioning test cells.
Run experiments: execute test campaigns with our optics engineers, capture data, and report actionable conclusions supported by tailored data products.
Spec and build the lab: define equipment, optical tables, lasers, detectors, and infrastructure needs, then procure and stand them up.
Align and troubleshoot: align free-space optical systems, diagnose control and data acquisition problems, and own first-pass debugging.
Automate: write instrument control and data acquisition code (Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB) to make tests faster and repeatable.
Document everything: maintain experiment procedures, build and test records, issue logs, and equipment inventory.
Own lab safety: run laser safety practices for high-power NIR systems, including Class 3B and Class 4 lasers.
Take testing beyond the lab: plan and help execute field verification of flight-representative hardware, such as packaging our beam system for outdoor campaigns that characterize beam performance over long distances.
What We're Looking For From You
7+ years of hands-on experimental lab experience in optics, lasers, or photonics. Graduate research, national lab, defense, or industry experience all count.
A B.S. in physics, optics or a related field, or equivalent hands-on optics lab experience.
Proven ability to independently design, build, align, and troubleshoot free-space optical setups.
Experience producing custom mounts and fixtures, either by designing them in CAD (e.g., Siemens NX) or by fabricating or sourcing them.
Working knowledge of lasers, detectors, and core optical components (lenses, mirrors, gratings, coatings).
Hands-on experience using spectrometers and optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs).
Optical fiber handling and assembly experience (cleaving, splicing, terminating, and inspection).
Understanding of thermal management for laser systems, including chillers and water- or conduction-cooled laser heads.
Disciplined documentation habits: procedures, lab notebooks, and test records others can rely on.
Laser safety training and hands-on practice working safely with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers under a formal laser safety program.
We Have a Strong Preference For
Hands-on experience with optical test and metrology equipment: laser interferometers (e.g., Zygo, 4D Technology), wavefront sensors, beam profilers, optical power and energy meters, scientific CMOS/CCD and InGaAs SWIR cameras, and autocollimators.
Thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) integration and testing experience.
Experience planning or supporting outdoor or long-range field tests of optical or laser systems.
Experience serving as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) under ANSI Z136.1; a Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) credential is a plus.
Familiarity with cleanroom practices and ISO 14644-1 cleanroom classifications (ISO 5 to ISO 8).
Hands-on machining or fabrication skills.
Experience setting up or managing a lab, including equipment selection and budgets.
Experience training or mentoring other lab staff or students.
Military technical, national laboratory, or space hardware program experience.
The salary band for this position is $110,000 - $165,000 commensurate with experience. Individuals with demonstrated exceptional ability may be considered beyond this band.
Our Benefits
We take care of our people. In addition to competitive salary and equity, Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks sick leave, parental leave, and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion.
ITAR Requirements
This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at talent@overviewenergy.com.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't check every box.