Opto Mechanical Design Engineer , (IS-0830-14) in Cambridge

Energy Jobline ZR; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Cambridge is seeking an Opto Mechanical Engineer to support the development of complex optical instruments. The role involves providing engineering leadership, conducting analyses, and collaborating with scientists on cutting-edge projects. Candidates should have a professional engineering degree and experience in opto-mechanical design. This position offers opportunities for travel and involvement in significant scientific investigations.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of specialized experience at or above grade 13 level.
• Experience with design and development of opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Strong understanding of thermal management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, design, and construct complex scientific instruments.
• Provide technical consultation to scientists and engineering staff.
• Conduct structural trades and analyses.

Skills

Mechanical engineering of optical instrumentation

Analytical skills

Technical leadership

Precision mechanisms knowledge

Computer-based design and analysis tools

Education

Professional engineering degree

Tools

ANSYS

SolidWorks

ABAQUS

COMSOL

Job description

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Job Description

OPENING DATE: October 30, 2025
CLOSING DATE: December 2, 2025
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Central Engineering
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (permanent resident, approved asylee, or refugee) or a person of a country eligible to be approved for an export license who is eligible to work in the U.S. Candidate must reside within the local commuting area of Cambridge, MA.
Two positions may be filled from this announcement.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
• Occasional and international travel may be required in support of duties.

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best‑known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground‑based astronomy and astrophysics research to space‑based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground‑based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

SUMMARY

This is the position of Opto Mechanical Engineer, Central Engineering Department (CE), Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The purpose of the position is to support the Observatory’s scientific investigations by providing senior‑level manufacturing engineering leadership to the engineering and scientific staff engaged in the development of complex ground‑based optical instruments. The incumbent will mainly support projects such as Viaspec and instruments for the Giant Magellan Telescope; however, this position will also support air‑ and space‑based projects as needed.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. In collaboration with CfA scientific investigators, the incumbent conceives, designs, and constructs highly complex scientific instruments, their support structures, optical systems, associated mechanisms, and test equipment that are at the state‑of‑the‑art. Assignments will include the complete instrument life cycle, from conceptual design through integration, test, commissioning, operations, maintenance, and repair.
2. Provides expert technical consultation to CfA scientists and other engineering staff in instrument mechanical design, state‑of‑the‑art mechanisms, materials and processes selection, fabrication and assembly methods, and fixturing, particularly in the areas of motion control devices, high reliability mechanisms, and general robotics.
3. Investigates, selects, justifies, and procures critical mechanical, servo‑mechanical, and optical components used in astronomical instrumentation and its development. Prepares specifications for selected components that describe the technical approach and results and conclusions of engineering trades and analyses. Prepares procurement documentation that sets expectations and delivery criteria.
4. Conducts detailed structural trades and analyses at the concept and detailed design levels to inform technical decisions. Supports the development of requirements and associated compliant systems designs.
5. Actively participates in the assembly of complex instrumentation involving intricate structures, mechanisms, and optics. Provides technical leadership to overall instrument fabrication, assembly, and test activities, both in SAO laboratories and externally, including at vendor or partner facilities and/or telescope sites.
6. Documents work in technical memoranda, reports, test plans, and procedures. Develops technical specifications to communicate needs internally as well as to suppliers and partners. May write technical papers, either singly or in collaboration with project scientists and other engineers, to publish innovative design techniques and present results at technical symposia.
7. Serves as the project’s mechanical/structural representative to both internal and external stakeholders including senior management and staff at the CfA and collaborating organizations. Makes both oral and written presentations to project scientists and technical representatives of contracting agencies and cooperating or affiliated organizations. Develops and presents detailed technical content at periodic status reviews, international conferences, and major gate reviews involving external partners. Serves on technical task forces, review teams, and committees.
8. Travels both nationally and internationally as required to support project activities.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements: A professional engineering degree or a combination of education and experience that provides a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering. Minimum Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (13) level in similar positions, including design and development of opto‑mechanical assemblies for high‑performance optical systems, finite element analysis using tools such as ANSYS and SolidWorks, integration and alignment of optical systems, material selection and thermal management strategies, and collaboration with systems engineers, optical designers, and fabrication teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Mastery of mechanical engineering of optical instrumentation, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of related engineering fields such as structural engineering.
• Demonstrable technical leadership skills, including the ability to define project scope, generate realistic goals, budgets, and schedules, and organize and direct the work of others.
• Expert knowledge of precision mechanisms, motion control, and automation used in optical instrumentation.
• Ability to utilize computer‑based design and analysis tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks, ABAQUS, COMSOL, etc.).
• Ability to incorporate cutting‑edge technology into design solutions.
• Effective communication of technical information in written and oral form to both technical and non‑technical staff.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. institutions by a recognized credential evaluation organization. Any false statement may result in rejection of the application and possible termination after employment begins.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in inspiring through knowledge and discovery.

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non‑paid work experience related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What to Expect Next: After the vacancy announcement closes, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

Visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/.

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