Mechanical Technician, Opto-Mechanical

Star Catcher•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

Star Catcher Industries, Inc., located in Jacksonville, Florida, is hiring a Mechanical Technician, Opto-Mechanical to support development of space-to-space power-beaming spacecraft and the Star Catcher Network, an orbital power grid. The role involves assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing opto-mechanical systems and components for spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related technologies. The technician works with engineering drawings and work instructions, handles flight optics under contamination-control protocols, supports hardware testing, and collaborates with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve assembly issues and improve procedures.

Requirements

Associate's degree, technical certificate, or equivalent hands-on experience in a mechanical, manufacturing, or optical discipline.
At least four years of experience assembling, aligning, and testing precision mechanical or opto-mechanical hardware in aerospace manufacturing or another relevant industry.
Experience aligning optical elements using autocollimators, laser trackers, or interferometers.
Proven experience with precision torquing and with bonding, potting, and shimming spacecraft assemblies.
Familiarity with laser-safety practices for Class IV laser operations, including controlled-area procedures, eyewear selection, and beam-path control.
Ability to read and build to drawings with GD&T.
Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to develop solutions to advanced engineering challenges.
Ability to communicate effectively and work in a multidisciplinary team.
Willingness to follow company standards and procedures.
Must meet applicable U.S. Government space-technology export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Machine-shop experience using manual mills, manual lathes, or CNC equipment to fabricate fixtures and tooling for precision build and alignment.
Experience building or operating ground-support equipment and handling fixtures for optical hardware.
Experience supporting thermal-vacuum, vibration, or optical-performance test campaigns.
Expertise in mechanical design principles and CAD software; Autodesk Inventor is preferred.
Familiarity with regulations and standards relevant to space missions and operations.

Responsibilities

Assemble opto-mechanical systems, sub-assemblies, and support structures using engineering drawings and work instructions.
Align optical elements to specified tilt, decenter, and spacing tolerances using laser trackers, autocollimators, and sub-micron position stages.
Handle, clean, and install flight optics under contamination-control protocols.
Mix and apply flight-qualified epoxies, silicones, and locking compounds to optical mounts while meeting outgassing requirements and cure times.
Precisely torque flight-hardware fasteners in accordance with engineering drawings and work instructions.
Fabricate and modify parts, fixtures, and tooling to support build and alignment operations.
Prepare and support opto-mechanical hardware for environmental and optical-performance tests, including test-hardware installation, instrumentation, and alignment checks.
Inspect hardware with CMMs and PCMMs and document nonconformances.
Partner with opto-mechanical, mechanical design, thermal, and manufacturing engineers to resolve benchtop clearance issues and improve assembly procedures.