Lead Mechanical Engineer, Laser Communications
About The Position
The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for the mechanical design of our laser communications payloads. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with deep experience in high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from early architecture and trade studies to hands-on integration and environmental qualification. This role spans opto-mechanical packaging, pointing and tracking mechanisms, thermal management, and structural qualification—from early concept through flight. You will lead a team of mechanical engineers and work closely with optical, laser, thermal, and systems engineers to deliver a flight-ready laser comm system. Previous experience driving end-to-end mechanical development of complex electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical flight hardware in a fast-paced environment is required.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programs
- Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of complex electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical flight hardware
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T
- Experience with structural analysis and thermal modeling tools
- Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
- Strong understanding of materials, standards, and manufacturing processes for high-reliability flight hardware
- Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 8+ years of experience developing flight hardware for space or defense programs
- Experience with opto-mechanical design and alignment-sensitive structures
- Experience designing or qualifying mechanisms for space flight environments (motors, actuators, bearings, flexures)
- Familiarity with laser communications systems or free-space optical terminals
- Experience with deployable or articulating structures subject to launch loads
- Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and alignment in a lab or cleanroom environment
- Prior experience as a technical lead or engineering manager on a flight program
Responsibilities
- Own the mechanical architecture of laser communications payloads, including opto-mechanical structures, pointing systems, thermal interfaces, and harness routing, from concept through production
- Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction, review standards, and execution pace
- Define and own interfaces and technical budgets across the laser comm payload
- Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, working with analysts to validate designs against requirements
- Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors
- Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
- Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and structural performance to optimize the payload architecture
- Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, laser, electrical, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical interfaces
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance
- Daily lunch in the office
- Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
