Optomechanical Engineer

Senior Optomechanical EngineerLocation: Onsite in Broomfield, Colorado Compensation: 115,000 to 130,000 USD base salary, plus equity and full benefits US Person RequiredDarwin Space are partnered with an exciting space company who are building next generation optical communication systems for space applications. They are expanding their engineering team with multiple Senior Optomechanical Engineers. Their work involves designing space qualified optical assemblies that must survive extreme launch loads, operate with micron level stability on orbit and be produced in a scalable, cost effective manner.They are looking for engineers with strong optomechanical fundamentals, real industry experience and a track record of owning designs from concept through integration and testing. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast moving environment, can take ambiguous requirements and turn them into clear design actions, and wants to contribute directly to a new generation of space based communication technology.They value engineers who bring stability in their career history, hands on capability and the judgment that comes from real hardware experience.Role OverviewAs a Senior Optomechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for mechanical and optical system design, alignment strategies, tolerance analysis and performance verification for precision optical hardware intended for space environments. You will work across optical, mechanical, electrical and controls disciplines to ensure that your designs deliver stable, repeatable optical performance under vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration and mechanical stress.You will own the full lifecycle of optomechanical assemblies including concept development, CAD design, analysis, prototyping, alignment strategies, environmental testing and release to production. You will mentor junior engineers, represent optomechanical design in cross functional discussions and support both ground based and flight system development.This is a hands on, senior individual contributor role with significant ownership and visibility.Key ResponsibilitiesOptomechanical DesignLead the full lifecycle of optomechanical subsystems including optical mounts, alignment mechanisms, kinematic interfaces and structural componentsDesign high precision mechanical fixtures for lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, waveplates and laser systemsDevelop alignment strategies and mechanical architectures that maintain optical stability through thermal, vibrational and mechanical stressPerform Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis to validate designsModeling and AnalysisUse optical software such as Zemax to evaluate tolerance sensitivity, wavefront error, spot size and optical performanceUse mechanical design tools such as SolidWorks or NX to design high precision parts and assembliesConduct thermal, structural, modal and tolerance analysis to ensure space environment robustnessPrototype, Test and ValidateDefine assembly and alignment procedures and oversee hands on implementationSupport testing across vibration, thermal, vacuum and laboratory environmentsDevelop and document test procedures and assembly guidelinesParticipate directly in alignment, optical bench work and prototype bring upCross Functional CollaborationWork with optical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and controls teams to achieve integrated designsSupport system level interface definition and verificationPresent design results, tolerance budgets and environmental performance to internal teamsDocumentation and LeadershipCreate detailed engineering documentation, drawings and analysis reportsMentor engineers working in optical and mechanical areasSupport continuous improvement of design practices and manufacturing processesRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree or higher in Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related disciplineFive or more years of optomechanical design experience, ideally for space, precision optical systems or high stability optical instrumentsProficiency in optical design tools such as ZemaxProficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks or NXExperience designing optical mounts and precision mechanical assembliesStrong understanding of GD&T and production level drawingsExperience with environmental testing including vibration, thermal and alignment verificationUS citizenship, permanent residency or other status that qualifies as a US Person under export regulationsPreferred QualificationsExperience designing optical systems for satellites, astronomy or other space applicationsHands on cleanroom experience (ISO 5 through ISO 8)Spanish language abilityExperience working in a small, fast paced company environmentExperience supporting scaled production of optical hardwareCompensation and BenefitsBase salary between 115,000 and 130,000 USDBonus and equity opportunitiesMedical, dental and vision coverage401k planPTO and mental health resourcesPet insurance and legal insurance optionsRelocation support available for qualified candidatesDarwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.Adam Slade