Senior Optomechanical Engineer

We have an opening for a Senior Optomechanical Engineer for space applications. You will contribute to the development of next-generation large-aperture space telescopes optical payloads and precision optical systems supporting U.S. national security and scientific missions. This role focuses on optomechanical design precision mechanisms structural and thermal performance and integration of optical systems into spacecraft environments.  You will collaborate with engineers scientists physicists and external partners to develop innovative optical systems for challenging operational environments. This position is in the Optomechanical Systems Engineering Group within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

This position will be filled at either level based on the candidates knowledge skills and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Design and analyze complex precision optomechanical assemblies structures mounts and mechanisms for space-based optical systems.
• Perform optomechanical design of telescope and payload subsystems including mirrors lenses mounts alignment features and supporting structures.
• Develop analytical and numerical models to evaluate structural thermal dynamic and stability performance.
• Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis error budgeting thermal stability assessment kinematic design and metrology planning.
• Evaluate system performance through integrated optical and mechanical analyses and collaborate with optical engineers to assess design sensitivities.
• Support integration and testing activities including alignment planning test fixture development verification planning and performance assessment.
• Serve as a technical point of contact and communicate technical results through reports presentations design reviews and sponsor interactions.
• Contribute to proposal development technical planning and risk reduction activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Lead the development of optomechanical architectures and technical solutions for highly complex optical and spaceflight systems.
• Direct environmental verification and qualification activities including vibration thermal-vacuum and performance testing of precision optical hardware.
• Establish technical approaches influence project direction and provide technical leadership during design reviews and sponsor engagements.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Optical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Applied Physics or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of optomechanical engineering principles concepts and practices.
• Significant experience in precision mechanical and optomechanical system design.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanical design tools such as Creo SolidWorks or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using structural and thermal analysis tools such as ANSYS NASTRAN Abaqus or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge of precision engineering methods including tolerance analysis error budgeting thermal stability analysis and metrology planning.
• Experience collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge of optomechanical design for highly complex optical or spaceflight systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead development efforts involving advanced precision optical and mechanical technologies.
• Experience providing technical leadership influencing project direction and advising management sponsors and review boards.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering Optical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Applied Physics or a related technical discipline.
• Experience designing optical instrumentation telescopes or spaceflight payloads.
• Experience with optical integration and test activities optical metrology environmental testing and space hardware development.
• Familiarity with active optics adaptive optics precision actuation systems or wavefront control technologies.

Pay Range

$175.530 - $267030 Annually

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210630 - $267030 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

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• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time