Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Opto-Mechanical Engineer

FTS International, LLC (FTS) is committed to providing the Federal Government with quality consultants and support. To ensure mission success we focus on putting our customers first while minimizing corporate bureaucracy on our staff. We provide Subject Matter Experts (SME) free of Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focused on independent analysis and mission support services within the disciplines of Engineering, Counter Terrorism Operations, Management, Information Technology, Signals Analysis, Administration, Cyber Security and Linguistics.

FTS has an opportunity for an Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Chantilly, VA.

The Opto-Mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems.

Responsibilities

• Support the maturation of advanced telescope technologies, manage cross-vendor interface coordination efforts, and contribute to the development of common engineering approaches that enhance interchangeability across future spacecraft builds
• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge related to advanced telescope technologies, optical systems, and opto-mechanical architectures between government organizations and industry partners
• Serve as a technical liaison between government stakeholders and telescope vendors to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of engineering objectives
• Manage and coordinate telescope interface requirements across multiple industry vendors to maximize component and subsystem interchangeability for future spacecraft developments
• Evaluate and adjudicate interface recommendations, technical trades, and design feedback from industry partners to reduce non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and improve future integration efficiency
• Support the development, maintenance, and configuration management of telescope interface definitions, technical standards, and engineering baselines
• Participate in opto-mechanical design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and engineering assessments throughout the system lifecycle
• Support integration planning activities for telescope assemblies, optical payloads, and spacecraft interfaces
• Collaborate with government and industry teams to identify opportunities for common architectures, modular designs, and standardized interfaces that improve mission flexibility and acquisition efficiency
• Contribute to technology maturation efforts by assessing emerging optical technologies, evaluating readiness levels, and identifying transition opportunities into future programs
• Coordinate technical activities among multiple vendors, government organizations, and engineering teams to support schedule, performance, and mission objectives
• Support risk assessments, trade studies, and engineering analyses associated with telescope integration and performance
• Develop technical documentation, interface control products, engineering recommendations, and executive-level briefings to support program decision-making

Required Skills/Qualifications

• TS/SCI with polygraph
• BS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering discipline
• 9+ years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs
• Experience working with optical payloads, telescope systems, precision mechanical systems, or space-based imaging technologies
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities
• Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations
• Ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs and develop recommendations that balance performance, risk, schedule, and cost considerations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical information to government and industry stakeholders
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse engineering teams and organizations

Desired Skills/Qualifications

• MS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering discipline
• Familiarity with optical payload integration, telescope manufacturing processes, precision alignment techniques, and environmental testing
• Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements management, and configuration control processes
• Knowledge of optical performance modeling, structural analysis, thermal analysis, or optical system design principles
• Experience supporting vendor management, technical interchange meetings, and government-industry partnerships
• Familiarity with technology readiness assessments, acquisition planning, and transition of emerging technologies into operational programs
• Experience supporting multi-vendor development environments and complex spacecraft integration efforts

Expected Salary Range: $149,000 - $170,000 per year. Placement within the range is determined by qualifications, job-related criteria, experience, internal equity and market considerations. In addition, FTS International, LLC has benefits offerings in addition to salary to include Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – vets/disabled.