Payload Alignment Lead
Denver, CO
Payload /
Full-Time /
On-site
Be one of the Bedo 100
Albedo is revolutionizing the space industry by building technology to commercialize Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Our first satellite, Clarity-1, is built upon our Precision bus, our VLEO-optimized platform designed specifically to thrive where other satellites cannot. With the successful launch of Clarity-1, we've proven our ability to deliver the highest resolution visible (10cm) and thermal (2m) imagery available commercially from space—a resolution previously possible only with aircraft and drones, but now available globally and on-demand.
Through the next couple of years, our focuses will be scaling production of our Precision bus to support the growing Clarity constellation and serving our customers the highest-resolution data. As part of the first 100 employees at Albedo, you will have a direct impact on on the above goals, whether that’s working directly on hardware to enhance our performance in VLEO, optimizing the pointing algorithms of our agile satellite, or delivering imagery to reduce wildfire risk, monitor carbon emissions from industrial power plants, or inform decision-makers on national security matters.
How We Operate: Albedo has developed a novel approach to Very Low Earth Orbit, both in space and with our business model. We are intentionally doing things differently by taking (calculated) risks, trying new things, and moving with speed. In age where AI presents extraordinary potential, we’ve adopted an AI-first mentality to create leverage for ourselves and customers. Like our satellites, we intentionally operate in a space that most avoid because its hard — but the excitement and things we have and will achieve make it worth it.
Who We're Looking For: As we scale our VLEO platform and expand our constellation, we need innovative thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about pushing technological boundaries. You'll be joining a team that's already proven it can achieve the impossible with the successful deployment of Clarity-1. If you're excited to tackle top-tier technical challenges, apply cutting-edge AI developments, and advance the state-of-the-art in VLEO technology, you'll find yourself part of a mission that's transforming how humanity sees and understands our planet—and eventually, other worlds.
If you can feel the excitement running through your veins, apply to be one of the Bedo 100.
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Payload Alignment Lead to join our elite team in the development and implementation of optical payloads for next-generation space telescopes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical engineering, space systems, and precision alignment techniques, automation of alignment processes, and production efficiency. This role requires leadership in all aspects of optical alignment, from establishing requirements to final system validation, ensuring the successful design, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for space missions, while significantly accelerating alignment timelines through innovative automation solutions. Your expertise will be critical in bridging the gap between laboratory precision and production requirements, enabling our mission to deliver unprecedented imaging capabilities from space.
What You’ll Do:
- Requirements and Budgeting:
- Define and establish alignment requirements for the entire optical system
- Develop and manage alignment budgets, including tolerance analysis, loss calculations and 1G effects
- Create comprehensive alignment procedures and performance qualification plans
- Implement alignment techniques to achieve sub-micron precision
- Develop automation strategies for alignment processes to reduce cycle times and improve repeatability
- Technical Leadership:
- Select appropriate alignment equipment and methodologies
- Lead the design and implementation of optical alignment instrumentation and systems
- Oversee the alignment process for all optical components, including primary mirror, secondary mirror, other optics and sensor systems
- Design and implement alignment solutions for complex aspheric surfaces and off-axis optical systems
- Create automated alignment workflows to accelerate integration timelines by 30-50%
- Collaboration and Integration:
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including system architect, opto-mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers
- Coordinate with external suppliers and stakeholders to ensure alignment goals are met
- Integrate alignment processes with overall spacecraft systems and mission requirements
- Develop transition plans from alignment lab to production environment to maintain precision while meeting schedule demands
- Testing and Validation:
- Develop and execute acceptance test procedures for end-to-end system performance
- Perform or guide electro-optical characterization of imaging sensors
- Conduct environmental testing to validate alignment stability under space conditions
- Implement automated data collection and analysis systems for real-time alignment verification
- Develop production-friendly validation protocols that maintain precision while reducing testing time
Your Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in optical payload design and alignment for space applications
- Extensive knowledge of interferometry, wavefront sensing, and other optical alignment techniques
- Familiarity with space-grade optical systems, including mirrors, lenses, and sensors
- Experience with optical modeling software and analysis tools
- Strong project management and leadership skills
- Excellent communication abilities to interface with diverse teams and stakeholders
Compensation and Benefits:
- Employee friendly equity compensation
- Asynchronous culture with flexible working hours
- 4% direct matching 401k
- Insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental, Mental Health
- Parental leave and childcare coverage
- Relocation bonus for moving to our Denver, CO HQ
- Flexible vacation from day one
- 10 company holidays and unlimited sick days
- $100 monthly wellness benefit
- Team retreats to build relationships in-person
$204,921 - $219,559 a year
Salary range aligns with the company's compensation structure, which compensates at market rates of 50th percentile salary and 75th percentile equity. The company uses market data provided by Pave to determine percentiles. The final compensation package is subject to change if the candidate's experience and company need drive a different job level than originally slated for the position.
Albedo does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Albedo employees. Albedo is not responsible for any fees or overhead related to unsolicited resumes.
Additional Requirements: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired will be required to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or 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/Veterans/Disabled: Albedo is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Relocation: Relocation for this position is available
US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED
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