Optomechanical Engineering Manager - Space Technologies

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV provides a full suite of exquisite, space-qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can't fail. Our team is expanding to do the big things that have never been done before - the things the nation and the world are counting on us to deliver. Join the transformation and help us make this impact now.

We are seeking an Optomechanical Engineering Manager to lead a team to provide engineering design and analysis support to diverse R&D programs and small-volume production contracts. The engineering manager will support design activities on programs while maintaining the ability to manage their functional group's readiness to meet business needs. Thus, this posting is for both an experienced engineer as well as someone with the skills and desire for personnel management.

Position Responsibilities

• Management and growth of a small Optomechanical engineering team with varied experience and skill levels. This group consists of both optical and mechanical engineers.
• Development and growth of a small Optical and Optomechanical engineering team (mentorship, hiring, training, career path, individual & group goals, business alignment).
• Responsible for satisfactory execution of all Optical and Optomechanical engineering work with a team of approximately 4 - 6 engineers.
• Directly support a complex space electronics program from concept through production with the development of core subsystems for a spacecraft and supporting systems.
• Create, maintain, and communicate product development schedules with sufficient detail to ensure that all assigned personnel are aware of their tasks and deadlines.
• Collaborate with other functions to define product requirements, develop specifications, write and execute design verification test plans.
• Review testing and analysis activity to assure compliance to requirements.
• Identify, track and status technical performance measures to measure progress and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Support development and continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices through writing of documentation and implementation in engineering teams.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 10 years of mechanical engineering experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Structural and thermal analysis including analytical calculations and FEA (stress analysis, modal analysis, thermal conduction analysis, bolt loads, etc.)
• Design using CAD software, ideally experience with SolidWorks
• Tolerance analysis and GD&T practices
• Space hardware design, analysis, integration, and test
• Strong technical writing skills applicable to engineering documentation (analysis reports, specifications, requirements documents, etc.)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• 15 years of experience in mechanical engineering of space systems
• Strong verbal communication skills needed for customer interaction at design reviews, supplier interaction, etc.
• Ability to quickly adapt to various projects and types of work and to work several projects simultaneously while managing time and priorities
• Ability to work independently or as part of a development team
• Experience and willingness to be hands on during hardware assembly, integration, and test.
• Current U.S. security clearance

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, her, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Benefits

• Medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

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