Space Science Instrumentation – Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves designing and building unique scientific instruments for NASA spacecraft for scientific discovery and developing advanced space systems for critical defense missions. The engineer will work in a collaborative environment with engineers from multiple disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver flight hardware. The team designs, analyzes, builds, integrates, tests, and delivers high-performance spaceflight instruments and payloads for demanding environments. The work spans the complete program lifecycle, from concept development through on-orbit operations, supporting NASA's science portfolio (e.g., Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly) and national security space missions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
At least 7 years of experience working in opto-mechanical design.
Experienced with PTC CAD software or SolidWorks.
Experienced with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V.
Experienced with thermal analysis and vibrational analysis.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated success working within a team environment.
Knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
Willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to NASA facilities and sub-contractor sites.
Willing and able to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
Able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
15 years experience overall in mechanical design and/or analysis.
Experience leading design of opto-mechanical systems.
Experience in space hardware development.
Hands-on experience with laboratory testing, instrumentation, or hardware integration.
Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
An active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Design, draft, and oversee fabrication of parts and sub-assemblies.
Perform mechanical analyses and/or interface with thermal and stress engineers to verify design integrity.
Lead teams of other mechanical engineers and related disciplines.
Lead optical instrument design, test, and integration.
Design mechanical GSE and test fixtures.
Work closely with scientists to determine appropriate mechanical requirements.
Provide input to instrument proposals and assist in development of new and/or improved instrument concepts.