Multispectral Payload Optics Intern at AstroForge – Seal Beach, California

About AstroForgeAt AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. By joining the team at AF you’ll have the opportunity to work side by side with our amazing engineer and science teams. This position will provide you with valuable skills, experience, and mentorship necessary to become a leading professional in your field. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Job DescriptionAs a Multispectral Payload Optics Intern, you will play a key role in designing and prototyping the optical systems that will enable our spacecraft to characterize and target asteroid resources. From early concept designs of imagers and spectrometers to breadboarding hardware and supporting payload calibration, you’ll work alongside our Payload team to develop spaceflight-ready systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience designing, building, and analyzing optical systems for real space missions, helping us solve the unique challenges of remote sensing in deep space.
Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Optical Engineering/Sciences, Physics, EE, or related field with relevant optics coursework (geometrical and at least intro to physical/diffractive optics).
• Enrollment in an accredited college or university, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Must not be otherwise employed for the duration of the internship.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Proof of US Citizenship or Permanent Residency.

Responsibilities

• Sketch concept trades for VIS/SWIR/TIR imagers and spectrometers (grating/prism/etc), define key specs (F/#, focal length, IFOV/GSD, spectral bands, SNR, MTF).
• Select and align off-the-shelf lenses, filters, apertures, mounts; integrate detectors and basic opto-mechanical hardware.
• Model & analyze: (e.g., Zemax) first-order layout, tolerances, and stray-light risk checks
• Build test setups to help stand up calibration benches, write step-by-step test plans, and execute alignment/verification and detector characterization
• Write small scripts for radiometry, calibration curves, and quick-look analyses.
• Contribute to trades on which spectral techniques/payloads best address target characterization goals

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Comfortable aligning lenses/mirrors, using optical rails/mounts, and basic alignment tools (irises, targets, shear plate or interferometer exposure a plus).
• Exposure to Zemax OpticStudio or similar for first-order modeling
• Basic understanding of common detectors and spectroscopic methods for Vis, NIR, and thermal IR imaging and spectroscopy.
• Some experience with Python or equivalent for data reduction and plotting.
• Able to follow a test plan, record results neatly, and iterate quickly; comfortable with hand tools and basic electronics/soldering.
• Be able to write clear summaries and short technical briefs.

Location: Onsite in Seal BeachPay Rate: $30.00 per hourDuration: 10 weeks
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S.,protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.