Senior Optical Engineer

We are partnering with a leading aerospace engineering organisation delivering advanced optical systems for spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based applications. This team supports the full lifecycle of high-performance optical payloads, from concept development through integration, environmental qualification, and flight readiness.

They are now seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer with a strong optical foundation who enjoys working at the intersection of precision mechanics and high-performance imaging systems.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for an engineer who understands optical performance first and mechanical design second. You will work on complex optical instruments supporting imaging across UV, VIS, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR bands, as well as LiDAR and laser communication systems.

You will collaborate closely with optical engineers to translate optical prescriptions into robust, flight-ready hardware that maintains alignment, stability, and performance in demanding aerospace environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead opto-mechanical design of precision optical assemblies and instruments
• Work directly from optical prescriptions to develop mounts, barrels, benches, and structural architectures
• Perform tolerance analysis and contribute to optical error budgets
• Support alignment, integration, and test of optical payloads
• Evaluate optical performance impacts from thermal, structural, and dynamic loads
• Contribute to environmental qualification including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing
• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers
• Support technical proposals and concept development efforts

What We’re Looking For

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Aerospace, or similar
• 8+ years of experience supporting optical system development
• Strong understanding of optical fundamentals, imaging performance, and alignment principles
• Experience working with multi-spectral systems, LiDAR, or laser-based payloads preferred
• Background in precision structures, kinematic mounting, and stability design
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks
• Familiarity with FEA tools such as Ansys or NASTRAN
• Experience supporting optical integration and performance verification
• US Person status required

Preferred

• Zemax experience
• MATLAB or Python for optical data analysis
• Experience working on space-qualified hardware

This is an opportunity to work on mission-critical optical systems where performance, stability, and precision truly matter. If you enjoy solving complex optical challenges and seeing hardware go from design to flight, this role offers real technical depth and ownership.