Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

About the role

This role preserves optical alignment for deep-space missions as conditions change. The engineer protects point accuracy and structural integrity during launch and orbit.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Optical prescription aligns with mechanical constraints, and alignment preservation criteria are defined with the Optics Engineer for precision systems.

Pointing stability and isolation requirements are addressed so science instruments stay locked on distant targets, working with the Optical Communications Engineer.

Structural integrity and thermal distortion are evaluated with the Mechanical Engineer to limit gravity sag and vibration response in opto-mechanical designs.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required for the role.

Candidates bring 5+ years of opto-mechanical design experience for precision optical systems or equivalent missions needing strict alignment control.

Understanding of opto-mechanical design principles guides material choice, stability, and alignment preservation.

Proficiency in CAD modeling for optical and precision mechanical assemblies clearly communicates designs and trade studies.

FEA evaluates opto-mechanical structures for gravity sag, thermal distortion, and vibration response so flight hardware meets mission tolerance.

Nice to have

Knowledge of thermal effects on optical alignment, including CTE mismatch and thermally induced distortion, reduces drift across operating temperature ranges.

Experience with space opto-mechanical hardware or environments anticipates issues unique to vacuum, radiation, and thermal cycling.

Familiarity with contamination-sensitive hardware, optical coatings, and material selection for optical systems protects throughput and reflectivity.

Knowledge of materials common in opto-mechanical design, such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel fasteners, and optics-compatible adhesives, ensures durability and compliance.

Practical notes

This role is based in Long Beach, California and requires standard U.S. work authorization.

Details are confirmed Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Opto-mechanical engineering in aerospace focuses on precision alignment that survives extreme environments.

CAD and FEA are central to predicting behavior before metal cutting and integration.

Space-qualified hardware must manage thermal expansion, contamination risk, and vibration loads that differ from ground systems.

Material selection balances structural performance with optical compatibility to avoid outgassing or interference with sensors.

Programs like Interplanetary Sciences build end-to-end solutions from science goals to flight hardware.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.