Senior Optomechanical Engineer - Lunar Avionics

Blue Origin•Denver, WA

About The Position

The Senior Optomechanical Engineer will join the Optical Systems group within Blue Origin’s Lunar Avionics organization, part of the Lunar Permanence business unit. The group develops lidar and camera systems for Blue Origin’s lunar vehicles. The engineer will help develop optical sensor systems for rendezvous, navigation, proximity operations, docking, and crewed applications, supporting spacecraft and lander systems. The role spans the full system lifecycle, from early concepts and prototypes through qualification and deployment of flight hardware. It involves owning optomechanical design, hands-on assembly and testing, and coordination with internal stakeholders, integrated product teams, and suppliers. The engineer will contribute to multidisciplinary design and field testing, verification and validation, environmental and flight testing, mission assurance, and avionics process improvements.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related area of study.
At least 7 years of experience working with and designing optomechanical assemblies and/or mechanisms for lidar, laser systems, image sensors, vision-based guidance systems, robotics, or related areas.
Experience developing, prototyping, testing, calibrating, and verifying lidar, optical imaging, or guidance systems for aerospace, automotive, medical, or robotics applications.
Experience with static structural, modal, random vibration, and thermal analysis.
Strong expertise with 3D CAD modeling programs and FEA tools.
History of communicating design concepts and analysis results effectively.
Ability to solve integration issues across optics, electronics, thermal, vibration, and manufacturing disciplines.
Willingness to work hands-on, independently and as part of a team, throughout product development and production.
Prior contribution to product schedule, cost, delivery, and supplier management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a collaborative culture.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optics, or equivalent.
At least 9 years of experience in the design, development, testing, and operation of complex optomechanical systems.
Experience designing and integrating sensors, cameras, or instruments for space vehicles and/or space environments.
Experience with recent versions of Creo, Windchill, and Ansys.
Experience with Sigmadyne SigFit software and STOP analysis.
Demonstrated expertise working with multidisciplinary optical-based systems and teams involving precision optomechanical assemblies.
Prior experience with environmental testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal cycling.
Experience with bonding and analysis of bonded joints.
Understanding of aerospace structural analysis methods such as Bruhn, Marks’, Shigley, Steinberg, and Roark’s.
Some background in optical system design and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio or Code V.
Ability to use optics standards for drawings and tolerances per ANSI/OEOSC ISO 10110.

Responsibilities

Collaborate in developing lidar- and vision-based optical sensor hardware for guidance, navigation, and control of crewed and uncrewed lander systems.
Own the optomechanical design of optical systems involving the mounting and alignment of lenses, lasers, sensors, and other optical elements.
Create mechanical interface definitions, specifications, control documents, 3D CAD models and assemblies, part and assembly drawings, installation drawings, and other technical documentation.
Assemble and test prototypes in the lab, including designing and building test and assembly fixtures as needed.
Coordinate and contribute to multidisciplinary design and field testing of lidar and other complex systems incorporating optics, optomechanical elements, lasers, and electronics.
Contribute to or lead procurement, vendor coordination, delivery, acceptance, installation, verification, validation, qualification, and certification of component hardware.
Guide environmental testing, including shock, vibration, and thermal-vacuum testing, as well as flight tests to validate system specifications and requirements.
Participate in mission assurance, safety initiatives, and avionics development process improvements.
Communicate development status, risks, and challenges effectively.
Contribute to a cross-disciplinary team in a fast-paced design environment throughout the design cycle of flight- and mission-critical avionics.

Benefits

Relocation assistance.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, company results, or other factors; bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.