Opto-Mechanical Engineering Manager - 053QE (San Diego)

About Quartus

Quartus Engineering Incorporated ( is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We integrate our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

What will you do?

As an Opto-Mechanical Engineering Manager in our Aerospace sector, you will be helping to lead and grow a team with industry-leading engineering capabilities in opto-mechanical design development and AI&T. Your primary role will be to grow and develop the team’s capabilities while providing technical leadership. You will also function as a technical lead on projects involving optical system development for aerospace applications.

Essential Job Functions:

People Leadership

• Manage a team of 3-6 opto-mechanical engineers
• Foster team collaboration and high technical performance with a people-first approach
• Mentor, motivate, and develop the opto-mechanical engineering team
• Assess performance and constructively coach, setting goals for individuals
• Align individual career paths and goals with group goals and company business strategy

Project & Technical Leadership

• Serve as technical lead on projects involving opto-mechanical design development and optical instrument AI&T for a diverse range of applications in spaceborne, airborne and ground based optical payloads used for imaging (UV/VIS/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR, multi-spectral and hypersectral), LiDAR/ranging, free-space laser communication, energy transfer, etc.
• Delegate, oversee, and plan project work in collaboration with program manager
• Perform technical work on the more challenging aspects of projects in collaboration with experts in other engineering disciplines, such as optical, electrical and software engineering
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers
• Contribute to technical development in areas of interest or expertise
• Contribute to sales efforts by writing proposals, presenting engineering capabilities, and assisting business development team with meeting, conference, and marketing content support
• Support development of business relationships with clients

Research & Development

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in opto-mechanical engineering and related technologies
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in optical systems development

What are we looking for?

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Opto-Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Optics, Physics, or similar Engineering field
• 10+ years of industry experience
• >2 years’ experience in personnel/team management
• Expert understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, thermal, precision kinematics) as well as opto-mechanics
• Experience with mechanical CAD software (Solidworks preferred)
• Experience with a finite-element-analysis package (SW Simulation, Ansys Workbench, NASTRAN)
• Experience with alignment of optical components, optical instrument integration and performance evaluation, environmental testing, etc.
• Proven ability to develop and manage engineers
• Demonstrated ability to work in and lead a technical team
• Project management experience (technical & programmatic leadership)
• Experience with cradle-to-grave systems engineering (requirements derivation through A, I, & T)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable making presentations in front of customers, senior leadership, and larger audiences
• Experience developing business proposals and/or support sales organization to win and develop new business
• Must be US Person (US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)

Preferred Qualifications

• MATLAB and/or Python experience preferred
• Zemax experience preferred
• Machine shop experience preferred

Compensation and Benefits

Opto-Mechanical Engineering Manager pay range: $126,070-$205,997*

*This pay range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral Eligibility: Tier 2

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.