Opto-Mechanical Engineering Manager

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES 1•Orlando, FL

125d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and production of advanced infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) optical assemblies. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in athermal and ruggedized design, hands-on manufacturing knowledge, and team leadership skills to drive innovative, high-performance solutions. This role offers the opportunity to shape design standards and manage a growing engineering team.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of athermal lens mounting, retention strategies, and design for harsh environments (extreme temperatures, shock, vibration).
Advanced user of Creo Parametric, including complex assemblies, drawings, configurations, and family tables.
Hands-on experience with DFM/DFA for IR hardware, including diamond turning, precision machining, glass molding, coatings, and adhesive/epoxy selection and cure processes.
Proficiency in GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis for strict centration, tilt, and runout requirements.
Familiarity with infrared optical materials and mechanical finishes.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical/Opto-Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
Minimum 5+ years designing infrared optical assemblies (SWIR., MWIR, LWIR) for production applications.
3+ years of managing and guiding a technical team, set design standards and best practices, perform detailed design reviews, and grow team capabilities through structured coaching and feedback.
Demonstrated ability to convert optical prescriptions into robust mounts with careful management of CTE, preload, centration/tilt, and stress minimization.
Experience with multi-lens alignment methods (both passive and active).
Proven track record supporting environmental qualification (thermal cycling, vibration/shock testing, sealing, venting, contamination control).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) optical assemblies from concept through production release.
Translate optical prescriptions into manufacturable, robust opto-mechanical designs with careful consideration for CTE, preload, centration, tilt, and stress control.
Define and implement lens mounting, retention, and alignment strategies suitable for demanding environmental conditions.
Create and manage detailed CAD models, drawings, and configurations in Creo Parametric, ensuring compliance with GD&T and company standards.
Partner with optical designers, manufacturing engineers, and suppliers to ensure designs meet DFM/DFA best practices and production requirements.
Oversee and participate in multi-lens assembly processes, including passive and active alignment techniques.
Support material and coating selection, adhesive/epoxy evaluation, and process optimization for IR hardware manufacturing.
Drive environmental qualification efforts, including thermal cycling, shock/vibration, sealing, venting, and contamination control testing.
Perform and review tolerance analyses to ensure assemblies meet stringent optical performance requirements.
Establish and enforce design standards, best practices, and review processes to ensure high-quality deliverables.
Mentor and develop team members through technical coaching, feedback, and structured training.
Collaborate with program managers, customers, and cross-functional teams to deliver on schedule, cost, and performance goals.
Contribute to configuration control, design documentation, and compliance with applicable standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810).
Other tasks as assigned.