Senior Optomechanical Engineer

About the role

We have an opening for a Senior Optomechanical Engineer for space applications. You will contribute to the development of next-generation large-aperture space telescopes, optical payloads, and precision optical systems supporting U.S. national security and scientific missions. This role focuses on optomechanical design, precision mechanisms, structural and thermal performance, and integration of optical systems into spacecraft environments. You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, physicists, and external partners to develop innovative optical systems for challenging operational environments. This position is in the Optomechanical Systems Engineering Group within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), Engineering Directorate.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze complex precision optomechanical assemblies, structures, mounts, and mechanisms for space-based optical systems.
• Perform optomechanical design of telescope and payload subsystems including mirrors, lenses, mounts, alignment features, and supporting structures.
• Develop analytical and numerical models to evaluate structural, thermal, dynamic, and stability performance.
• Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability assessment, kinematic design, and metrology planning.
• Evaluate system performance through integrated optical and mechanical analyses and collaborate with optical engineers to assess design sensitivities.
• Serve as a technical point of contact and communicate technical results through reports, presentations, design reviews, and sponsor interactions.
• Contribute to proposal development, technical planning, and risk reduction activities.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of optomechanical engineering principles, concepts, and practices.
• Significant experience in precision mechanical and optomechanical system design.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanical design tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using structural and thermal analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge of precision engineering methods including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability analysis, and metrology planning.
• Experience collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present technical information and provide advice to management.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience designing optical instrumentation, telescopes, or spaceflight payloads.
• Experience with optical integration and test activities, optical metrology, environmental testing, and space hardware development.
• Familiarity with active optics, adaptive optics, precision actuation systems, or wavefront control technologies.

Skills

• Ability to design and analyze complex precision optomechanical assemblies, structures, mounts, and mechanisms for space-based optical systems.
• Experience with precision mechanical and optomechanical system design.
• Advanced knowledge of optomechanical engineering principles, concepts, and practices.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanical design tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using structural and thermal analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge of precision engineering methods including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability analysis, and metrology planning.
• Experience collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present technical information and provide advice to management.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$175.530 - $267,030 Annually $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level $210,630 - $267,030 Annually for the SES.4 level

Schedule

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.