Lead the mechanical design for the optical heart of a communications terminal
Design and build precision opto-mechanical systems at the core of a next-generation optical communications terminal
Develop and close comprehensive tolerance budgets for Wavefront Error (WFE) and alignment stability
Engineer robust solutions for straylight and ghost suppression
Author and manage contamination control plans and cleanliness procedures
Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, assembly, and alignment
Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers on the team
Collaborate closely with the STOP analyst to define stiffness targets
Integrate thermal control hardware compatible with precision gimbal motion
Support environmental qualification tests and provide hands-on support for optical alignment

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience (M.S./Ph.D. preferred)
Demonstrated experience in designing telescopes or similar precision optical instruments for space or aerospace applications
Proven expertise in straylight analysis, contamination control, baffle design, and coating selection for sensitive optical systems
Hands-on experience with advanced mirror materials, including an understanding of their fabrication, polishing, and testing methods
Experience integrating mechanical designs with structural, thermal, and optical performance analyses
Proficiency in a major CAD package (e.g., PTC Creo, Siemens NX) for detailed mechanical design
Experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers
Track record of successful delivery of complex opto-mechanical systems for demanding applications.

Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Key skills