Materials Scientist- Laser Systems

Power the future of Space at Star Catcher

Star Catcher is powering the future of space by building the world’s first orbital energy grid: the Star Catcher Network. Spacecraft connect into the Star Catcher Network and receive conditioned energy via their existing solar arrays, requiring no retrofit to utilize the first true space-based infrastructure. The Star Catcher Network provides power as needed from tens of Watts to tens of thousands of Watts at concentrations from fractions of a Sun of flux to ten Suns of flux.

The Star Catcher Network enables More Uptime, More Bandwidth, and More Mission.

Join our team of experienced and passionate space innovators driven to transform and expand humanity’s utilization of space. The creation of space-based power infrastructure is as impactful for space missions in the 2020’s and 2030’s as the advent of low-cost launch services was in the 2010’s. We seek individuals who share our passion for enabling people to do more in space and are not afraid to get their hands dirty to make our vision of the future reality.

Star Catcher Industries, Inc. (Star Catcher), located in Jacksonville, FL, has an opportunity for a Materials Scientist-Laser Systems to support the development of space-to-space power beaming spacecraft and the Star Catcher Network, its orbital power grid. This role will be responsible for developing and evaluating materials used in the laser, optical, and energy transmission systems of spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related technologies. This includes material selection and development, performance analysis, quality control and assurance, systems integration, quality control and assurance, and project management.

Responsibilities:

• Participating in the engineering development of unique optical system designs through design analysis and tolerancing, key component and performance specifications, and development of test methodologies.
• Supporting laser, optical, and/or energy transmission development for projects and programs in the areas of concept development, detailed design, and hands-on system build & characterization.
• Coordinating and supporting the build, alignment, and performance characterization of energy transmission assemblies, including for space-based and airborne payloads.
• Working closely with a cross-functional team to integrate materials into spacecraft, satellites, and other systems and ensuring that materials are compatible with design specifications and operational requirements.
• Addressing material-related issues that arise during design, testing, or mission operations. Develop solutions to improve material performance or resolve failures.
• Manage materials-related aspects of projects, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Maintaining detailed records of material properties, test results, and research findings and preparing reports and documentation for internal use and regulatory compliance.

Ideal Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Aerospace, or related field; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• At least five years of materials science related experience or experience in a related field.
• A solid foundation in the principles of laser systems, capable of understanding and deriving specifications from first principles.
• Working knowledge of laser laboratory protocol and test equipment including oscilloscopes, laser beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and/or laser drive electronics.

Desired skills:

• Experience developing and characterizing materials associated with laser systems.
• Working knowledge of laser laboratory protocol, laser safety, and test equipment including oscilloscopes, beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and laser drive electronics.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interface with the team and organization and prioritize tasks, projects, and personnel from a variety of disciplines.
• Creative problem-solving skills, with the capability to develop innovative solutions to advanced engineering challenges.

Help us deploy and scale space infrastructure that will drive our utilization of space forward! We offer a highly competitive benefits package.

Star Catcher is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Star Catcher is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All offers of employment at Star Catcher are contingent upon results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.