Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer

About the role

LV8D Solutions supports national security space and intelligence customers delivering next-generation sensing and exploitation capabilities. The Spacecraft Operations and Systems Integration Engineer supports the operational readiness, integration, sustainment, and performance of space-based systems throughout their lifecycle. This position serves as a critical interface between spacecraft operations teams, system developers, and factory engineering organizations to ensure capabilities are successfully integrated into operations and mission objectives are achieved.

LV8D Solutions is looking for a Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA. The Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge related to advanced telescope technologies, optical systems, and opto-mechanical architectures between government organizations and industry partners
• Serve as a technical liaison between government stakeholders and telescope vendors to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of engineering objectives
• Manage and coordinate telescope interface requirements across multiple industry vendors to maximize component and subsystem interchangeability for future spacecraft developments
• Evaluate and adjudicate interface recommendations, technical trades, and design feedback from industry partners to reduce non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and improve future integration efficiency
• Support the development, maintenance, and configuration management of telescope interface definitions, technical standards, and engineering baselines
• Participate in opto-mechanical design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and engineering assessments throughout the system lifecycle
• Support integration planning activities for telescope assemblies, optical payloads, and spacecraft interfaces
• Collaborate with government and industry teams to identify opportunities for common architectures, modular designs, and standardized interfaces that improve mission flexibility and acquisition efficiency
• Contribute to technology maturation efforts by assessing emerging optical technologies, evaluating readiness levels, and identifying transition opportunities into future programs
• Coordinate technical activities among multiple vendors, government organizations, and engineering teams to support schedule, performance, and mission objectives
• Support risk assessments, trade studies, and engineering analyses associated with telescope integration and performance
• Develop technical documentation, interface control products, engineering recommendations, and executive-level briefings to support program decision-making

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 9+ years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs
• Experience working with optical payloads, telescope systems, precision mechanical systems, or space-based imaging technologies
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities
• Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations
• Ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs and develop recommendations that balance performance, risk, schedule, and cost considerations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical information to government and industry stakeholders
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse engineering teams and organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with optical payload integration, telescope manufacturing processes, precision alignment techniques, and environmental testing
• Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements management, and configuration control processes
• Knowledge of optical performance modeling, structural analysis, thermal analysis, or optical system design principles
• Experience supporting vendor management, technical interchange meetings, and government-industry partnerships
• Familiarity with technology readiness assessments, acquisition planning, and transition of emerging technologies into operational programs
• Experience supporting multi-vendor development environments and complex spacecraft integration efforts

Security Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
• Active Counterintelligence (CI) or Full Scope (FS) Polygraph

Work Environment

On-site work in a government or contractor facility

Occasional travel (up to 10%)

Benefits

• Performance & Recognition: Period of Performance (PoP) Bonus Opportunities, Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to contract or organizational performance
• Retention Incentive Benefit: Bounty, Receive a payout for unused annual company contributions designated for health insurance premiums and professional training
• Referral Bonus: Earn up to $5,000 for each successful employee referral
• Customer Recognition: Letter of Appreciation (LoA) Bonus Opportunities, Bonus opportunities based on customer recognition received through Letters of Appreciation
• Milestone Rewards: Celebrate your career achievements with anniversary awards on your 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th years of service
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Profit Sharing, 401(k) Company Match
• Career Development: Annual financial support for professional training and industry certifications, Enhanced financial support for employees actively pursuing a degree at an accredited institution
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work hours, Competitive paid time off (PTO), Company holidays
• Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, Medical Coverage, Dental & Vision, Income Protection, Life Insurance