Optical Laser Engineer

About Cowboy Space Corp.

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

About the Role:

The Laser Engineer at Cowboy Space Corp. will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing high-power laser systems for our satellites. This role requires expertise in laser physics, optical engineering, and space systems, with a strong focus on integrating lasers into a spaceborne environment. You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and systems engineers to push the boundaries of laser power beaming from space to Earth.

Responsibilities:

• Laser System Design: Develop high-power laser systems tailored for satellite space applications, including fiber and semiconductor lasers.

• Optical Modeling & Simulation: Use optical design software to model and optimize laser power transmission.

• Component Selection & Integration: Compare and select laser components (optics, gain media, etc) and integrate them into a cohesive payload system.

• System Prototyping & Testing: Develop prototypes, perform lab validation, and measure system performance against design specs.

• Thermal Management: Work with thermal engineers to design cooling solutions to manage laser system stability and efficiency.

• Space Qualification & Reliability: Ensure laser systems meet spaceflight requirements (radiation resistance, TVAC performance, mechanical robustness, etc.)

• Innovation: Stay at the forefront of laser technology and industry trends, proposing novel approaches to improve efficiency and power density

• Documentation: Generate detailed design documentation, including design specs, test plans, analysis reports, and operational & safety procedures

• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate laser systems with satellite power, control, and pointing mechanisms.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in laser engineering, including the design, development, and testing of high-power laser systems.

• Hands-on experience with high-powered lasers, including fiber or semiconductor lasers

• Strong knowledge of laser physics, beam control techniques, nonlinear optics, etc.

• Experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, beam profilers, and laser power meters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

• Proficiency in optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, or COMSOL.

• 5+ years of experience developing laser systems for aerospace or space applications.

• Familiarity with space qualification processes, including environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).

• Experience in laser-based energy transmission, free-space optics, or laser communications.

• Knowledge of advanced thermal management techniques for high-power laser applications.

• Background in integrating laser systems with high-precision pointing and tracking mechanisms.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on approach to system prototyping and validation.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $150,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements:

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer:

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.