Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

You will join a growing team dedicated to the design and development of precision mechanical and optomechanical systems that serve current telescope platforms and next-generation astronomical instruments. This position places you at the intersection of mechanical engineering and observational science, where your work will directly influence the capabilities of ground-based and future space-based observatories. You will own the mechanical integrity of complex systems, ensuring they meet stringent performance, stability, and environmental requirements. The role requires close collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, translating high-level scientific objectives into robust and manufacturable mechanical designs. You will guide projects from initial concept exploration through detailed design, prototyping, rigorous testing, and final production release. A significant part of your responsibility will involve anticipating real-world operational challenges and incorporating solutions early in the design cycle. You will be expected to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the establishment of best practices within the engineering organization. Ultimately, your contributions will enable the collection of critical scientific data by ensuring the mechanical systems perform flawlessly in demanding observational environments.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Analyze complex system requirements to define mechanical and optomechanical architectures that balance performance, weight, and cost.
• Develop intricate 3D CAD models in SolidWorks and NX, producing precise engineering drawings and detailed bills of materials for manufacturing.
• Conduct sophisticated FEA simulations in ANSYS and Nastran to evaluate structural integrity under static, thermal, and dynamic loading conditions.
• Coordinate with optical engineers to validate alignment strategies and ensure mechanical interfaces support the exacting tolerances of imaging and sensing systems.
• Drive design for manufacturability and assembly, leveraging practical fabrication, machining, welding, and finishing knowledge to simplify production.
• Execute comprehensive tolerance analysis to predict and mitigate dimensional variations that could impact optical performance or system integration.
• Lead participation in formal design reviews, articulating mechanical trade-offs and defending technical decisions based on simulation data and empirical evidence.
• Create and maintain internal documentation, ensuring that design decisions, calculations, and test results are clearly recorded for future reference and audit.
• Provide hands-on engineering support during the fabrication, quality control, assembly, and validation stages to resolve issues in real time.
• Collaborate with software teams to ensure that mechanical components meet the timing, positioning, and stability requirements of automated observational workflows.
• Evaluate emerging materials, coatings, and fastening technologies to recommend improvements in durability, thermal stability, and mass efficiency.
• Support the development and execution of verification and validation test plans, correlating simulation predictions with physical test results.
• Interface with external vendors and partners to communicate specifications, resolve technical hurdles, and ensure on-time delivery of critical components.
• Contribute to the establishment and refinement of system engineering workflows, including the maintenance of interface control documents and traceability matrices.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as a Mechanical Engineer within demanding sectors such as Aerospace, Automotive, or other high-precision industries.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and NX, including the ability to manage complex assemblies and detailed part design.
• Show strong competency in FEA analysis tools like ANSYS or Nastran, applying these skills to solve challenging structural and thermal problems.
• Apply practical knowledge of Design for Manufacturability principles to create designs that are efficient to produce and assemble.
• Have hands-on experience with fabrication processes, including machining, welding, drilling, and mechanical assembly techniques.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex engineering concepts into clear and actionable information.
• Exhibit a consistent interest in aerospace systems or observational technologies, with a track record of personal initiative in related projects or learning.
• Understand the importance of accurate tolerance stack-ups and their impact on the final function and alignment of optical assemblies.
• Display strong problem-solving skills, using analytical methods to diagnose issues and develop reliable corrective actions under pressure.
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly based on project needs and system test results.
• Commit to adhering to established engineering processes while seeking opportunities for constructive improvement.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail to ensure that designs are error-free and comply with applicable standards and best practices.
• Be willing to travel as required for project milestones, vendor meetings, or system integration activities.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with a broad range of materials, fasteners, and surface coatings, and their influence on mechanical performance in demanding environments.
• Experience with alignment methods and techniques used to integrate optical components within complex mechanical systems.
• Basic scripting or automation capabilities in Python or MATLAB to enhance design analysis or streamline test workflows.
• Prior exposure to system engineering practices, including the creation and management of interface control documents and verification strategies.
• Understanding of verification and validation processes, including test planning, execution, and results analysis.

Practical notes

This is an on-site role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the Los Angeles office. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums for employees, unlimited PTO, and access to the latest hardware and software.