Full-Time
Lead Optical Engineer
TRL11
11-50 employees
Provides OSAM, LEO satellite ops services
No salary listed
Irvine, CA, USA
In Person
Bachelor's, Master's
 Mechanical Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
- At least 5 years of experience in optical design or a related field is required.
- Strong understanding of physics, optical materials, and/or laser systems is required.
- Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, LightTools, or similar software is required.
- Experience with imaging systems or laser systems is required.
- Experience with Onshape, SolidWorks, or similar computer-aided design software is required.
- Strong understanding of thermal and structural analysis of optical designs is required.
- Experience with optomechanical alignment, calibration, and testing procedures is required.
- Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices.
- Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software.
- Develop and execute optical test plans to validate system performance at the component, subsystem, and payload levels.
- Design and implement optical test setups, including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures.
- Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload integration and end-of-line testing.
- Support manufacturing and assembly processes involving optics, including defining handling procedures, contamination control, and alignment processes.
- Analyze test data and troubleshoot optical performance issues during development, integration, and production.
- Support root-cause investigations for optical performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
- Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep research and development aligned with current advancements.
- Contribute to secondary areas such as structural or thermal simulation, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
- Experience designing optics for visible, near-infrared, and long-wave infrared transmission.
TRL11 provides end-to-end space-tech capabilities for satellite operations, including On Orbit Service, Assembly and Manufacturing (OSAM), plus launch, deployment, and operation of Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations. Sensor fusion combines data from multiple sensors to improve situational awareness, while compact, powerful communication hardware enables efficient ground and inter-satellite links; next-generation batteries and management systems power satellites more safely and efficiently. The company differentiates itself by offering an integrated suite that covers launch through on-orbit work, with in-house sensor fusion, communications hardware, and power systems for both maintenance and constellation operation. Its goal is to enable scalable, safe satellite missions by providing the tools, systems, and services needed to build, repair, operate, and power satellites and their networks.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$5M
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California
Founded
2022
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- TRL11’s website was updated August 10, 2026, signaling active commercial momentum.
- Vast keeps TRL11 on Haven-1, its first commercial space-station video supplier.
- A 2025 Air Force SBIR Phase II funds TRL11 through November 23, 2026.
What critics are saying
- TRL11 still relies on a $3 million 2023 pre-seed round for runway.
- Portal’s Q4 2026 launch and Vast’s integration expose TRL11 to mission-failure headlines.
- One failed orbital video demo ends TRL11’s credibility in safety-critical defense procurement.
What makes TRL11 unique
- TRL11 ships AI-enabled full-motion video payloads for RPO, SDA, and mission assurance.
- Starris partnered with TRL11 on dual-use RPO plus space-domain-awareness cameras in June 2026.
- Portal selected TRL11 for Starburst-1, flying edge-processed video on Transporter-18 in Q4 2026.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Stock Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 0%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 4%The Program Hosts Its 13th Accelerator Space Domain Awareness Catalyst Accelerator's 13th Cohort Colorado Springs, Colorado, Feb. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Catalyst Accelerator is excited to announce the selection of seven outstanding small businesses with innovative, complementary tech solutions. These companies will come together from across the globe to participate in the Accelerator’s 13th cohort focused on Space Domain Awareness. The Catalyst Accelerator, powered by the Air Force Res
TRL11, Inc., a pioneering company at the forefront of space video technology, announces the addition of two new executive team members, Rodney Grubbs and Vijay Shravah, to its management team.
TRL11 Inc., an Irvine-based maker of video and monitoring products for satellites, said last month it raised over $3 million in pre-seed funding.
TRL11 Closes $3M Pre-Seed Funding Back to HomeIRVINE, CA, TRL11, Inc. announced that it has closed a pre-seed funding round of over $3 million.TRL11, Inc. announced that it has closed a pre-seed funding round of over $3 million. BoostVC led $3M+ round, with participation from Wonder Ventures, Anorak Ventures, Geek Ventures, Space Cadets, and several angel investors including Max Haot, founder of Launcher.TRL11, Inc. designs and manufactures state-of-the-art full motion video solutions and the supporting subsystems for aerospace applications. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, the company was started in 2022 and launched the first prototypes to orbit in less than a year