Entry-Level Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

About the Role

This role involves conceptualizing and creating optical, mechanical, and opto-mechanical system layouts; developing highly complex designs; and ensuring optimal system performance. The position requires producing efficient opto-mechanical design and packaging concepts using 3D solid modeling software per customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design opto-mechanical components and assemblies (e.g., telescopes and sensors) for airborne and space applications.
• Develop product designs and processes that meet customer specifications and technical requirements.
• Coordinate design engineering activities on assigned projects.
• Support advanced technology development by contributing ideas for new concepts, research, and development activities.
• Prepare and maintain drawings, procedures, work instructions, and Bills of Materials with document and configuration control.
• Assist in proposal development and provide inputs for project quotations.
• Provide tooling design support to new and existing projects.
• Design and develop assembly and testing procedures for new projects.
• Troubleshoot existing designs and processes to identify areas for improvement.
• Provide estimates and updates regarding financial goals to program management.
• Assess manufacturability of design concepts and collaborate on process enhancements.
• Participate in test, development, and troubleshooting efforts with technical teams.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with knowledge of optical and mechanical design processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software; experience with SOLIDWORKS preferred.
• Familiarity with FEA (Simcenter or FEMAP).
• Familiarity with design of optical systems for advanced light sources and associated assembly techniques.
• Understanding of optical materials (e.g., crystalline, glass, polymer), mechanical structures, adhesives, coatings, and materials used in opto-mechanical systems.
• Basic knowledge of thermal, mechanical, vibration, and shock effects on optical systems.
• Experience with optical alignment tools and methods, metrology techniques (interferometers, spectrophotometers, theodolites, etc.), and GD&T (Y14.5).
• Software proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems.
• Vendor/supplier management for optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and coatings.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD software; experience with SOLIDWORKS preferred.
• Proficient mechanical design skills with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and familiarity with FEA (Simcenter or FEMAP).
• Experience in optical systems design from concept to production, including analysis of optics, mounting strategies, tolerances, manufacturability, and cost.
• Knowledge of tolerance stack analysis and strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with design of optical systems for advanced light sources and associated assembly techniques.
• Understanding of optical materials (e.g., crystalline, glass, polymer), mechanical structures, adhesives, coatings, and materials used in opto-mechanical systems.
• Basic knowledge of thermal, mechanical, vibration, and shock effects on optical systems.
• Experience with optical alignment tools and methods, metrology techniques (interferometers, spectrophotometers, theodolites, etc.), and GD&T (Y14.5).
• Software proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems.
• Vendor/supplier management for optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and coatings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to achieve results independently or collaboratively.
• Candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.