Opto-Mechanical Engineer-Technical Staff

Position Description

We are seeking skilled Opto-Mechanical Engineers to design and develop custom opto-mechanics for a wide range of optical systems. These systems operate in various domains from underwater to space, have diverse functionalities and varying levels of complexities, and address various missions including laser communications, wide area sensing, directed energy, etc. In this position, the opto-mechanical engineer will conduct innovative optomechanical system technology development that can enable novel mission capabilities and work on early system concepts that incorporate these new technologies. The desired candidate will also lead small interdisciplinary teams to realize novel systems.

The Optical Engineering Group works on challenging defense and civil problems across domains, collaborating closely with other engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions. 

An experienced optomechanical engineer’s roles and responsibilities can include a combination of the following, depending on the programs they are working on at the time.

• Design and develop opto-mechanical systems for optical applications, including system alignment and performance testing. 
• Conduct opto-mechanical design, analytical tasks, trade studies, and integration/testing. 
• Collaborate with optical engineers and technical stakeholders to ensure system-level design meets mission requirements. 
• Conduct innovative optomechanical system technology development that can enable novel mission capabilities
• Manage design, fabrication, and metrology of optical components with high-performance substrates (e.g. ULE, SiC) with a variety of surface prescriptions.
• Oversee the specification, fabrication, and testing of opto-mechanical components. 
• Perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) tools. 
• Conduct coupled structural–thermal–optical (STOP) analyses to optimize system performance. 
• Generate and review mechanical/optical drawings, including tolerance analyses. 
• Present technical work to team members, supervisors, and program sponsors. 
• Lead and manage small teams during prototype lifecycle phases, including concept development, design, analysis, assembly/alignment, and testing. 
• Travel to meetings and field sites as required. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Precision Mechanics, or a related field. 

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in opto-mechanical design and development. 

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred). 
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g., Aras Innovator). 
• Familiarity with optical component mounting techniques, including kinematic (exact constraint) design principles. 
• Experience managing design, fabrication, and metrology of optical components with high-performance substrates (e.g. ULE, SiC) with a variety of surface prescriptions.
• Ability to perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN/FEMAP preferred). 
• Experience conducting coupled structural–thermal–optical (STOP) analyses (desired). 
• Ability to read and generate mechanical/optical drawings and perform basic tolerance analyses. 
• Familiarity with freeform optical systems is desired.

Collaboration Skills: 

• Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work. 

Leadership Skills: 

• Experience leading and managing small teams (desired). 

Additional Requirements: 

• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances. 

• Willingness to travel to meetings and field sites as needed. 

Why Join Us: 

This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge optical systems in a collaborative and innovative environment. You will contribute to impactful projects that push the boundaries of opto-mechanical engineering, while gaining exposure to diverse technical challenges and professional growth opportunities.