Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer – Space Optical Systems

Role Overview

• Support the design and development of space borne precision optics, mirrors and mounts, and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads.
• Completing mechanical systems analysis, architecture definition, Specification and ICD development with supporting trade studies.
• Leading teams of engineers in accomplishing assignments.
• Strong knowledge of both technical and project/team management for the mechanical aspects of IR payloads.
• Mechanical systems leadership for IR payloads and subsystems from requirement allocations and flow downs to specification and interface definition and compliance verification.
• Detailed mechanical design skills of precision optics for IR payloads including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters focal plane mounts and telescopes for cryogenic applications.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Procurement during the build and test of mechanisms.
• Leadership of small to mid-sized cross-functional design teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems.
• Strong communication skills for internal and external presentations and reviews.
• Author PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews.
• Perform trade studies to determine optimal designs.
• Assist with schedule, cost, and technical responsibility at the major subsystem level.
• Complete cost estimation for proposals.
• Direct and review the work of junior engineers and designers and technicians.
• Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects.
• Collaborate with other group leads and leaders within mechanical engineering to share engineers, process improvements and technical insights.
• Collaborate across functions to minimize gaps in requirements, responsibilities and payload performance.
• Up to 10% travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance
• Experience in design and testing for space environments (i.e., temperature, vacuum, radiation, etc.)
• 3+ years of experience in 3D CAD modeling using industry standard tools
• Prior or current professional experience with optical focus and athermalizaton design experience
• Active Secret Clearance is preferred
• Optical alignment design experience
• PTC Creo or Solidworks is strongly preferred
• NASA 5017 and ABMA Standards knowledge
• GD&T, tolerance stacks
• Experience with Tribology
• Prior COBRA or Orbis experience
• Prior experience in developing aircraft structures or major sub-assemblies is strongly desired
• Excellent people skills, with experience leading and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment
• Experience with team leadership
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation)
• Prior electronics packaging experience
• Strong hands-on capabilities, to include design, integration and alignment of IR optical systems.
• Design experience in spaceborne IR optical systems.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants