Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

MBRYONICS; Galway; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MBRYONICS seeks a Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design across opto-mechanical subsystems for space-grade applications. You will oversee alignment strategies, mounts, benches and gimbals, while driving CAD/FEA-driven prototyping and robust design practices.

The role requires 12+ years in mechanical/optical/aerospace engineering, deep CAD/FEA proficiency, and a track record of leading teams toward high-reliability, space-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of mechanical, aerospace, optical or related engineering experience.
• Proficiency with commercial CAD packages (SolidWorks, NX) and simulation tools.
• Knowledge of space-grade design standards (ECSS/MIL-STD).
• Experience leading and mentoring engineers, contributing to proposals and technical reviews.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Technically lead and improve engineering practices across the opto-mechanical design domain, including production of the same, for continuous improvement of MBRYONICS capabilities and engineering excellence.
• Mentor engineers, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, resilient and innovative engineering culture within MBRYONICS.
• Collaborate with optical, electrical, software, systems, and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance opto-mechanical subsystems.
• Serve as the principal technical authority on all mechanical aspects of optical system integration, including lens/mirror mounts, optical benches, gimbal platforms, and alignment strategies.
• Drive the application of CAD design, close-form calculations, finite element analysis (FEA) and prototyping skills to realise opto-mechanical systems and ensure optical performance across environments.
• Ensure opto-mechanical designs meet space-grade standards (e.g., MIL‑STD, ECSS), and comply with design office standards.
• Champion design-for-manufacture (DFM), assembly (DFA), and process improvements to accelerate product development cycles and increase system reliability.
• Investigate novel concepts for optical mounting, stray light suppression, thermal isolation, and kinematic design.
• Utilise a hands‑on approach, be proactive and consistently help to progress product development in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Assist with motivating, mentoring and enhancing the team’s capabilities while thriving on setting and achieving your own mission deadlines.
• Prototype building, testing, documenting and developing processes, and producing support documentation.

Skills

Mechanical design

Optical engineering

Leadership

Mentoring

Space engineering

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Mechanical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

ANSYS

FEMAP

Nastran

Job description

Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

About MBRYONICS

MBRYONICS is at the forefront of free space optical communications. Our product portfolio covers a wide range of emerging technologies from photonic integrated circuits to advanced optical systems and embedded software solutions. Our optical communications systems are integrated and deployed in satellite communications systems. The work is exciting and challenging and is at the forefront of the technology domains. As part of our expansion, we are currently looking for a suitably motivated - Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer - to join our group.

What you'll do

• Technically lead and improve engineering practices across the opto-mechanical design domain, including production of the same, for the continuous improvement of MBRYONICS capabilities and engineering excellence.
• Mentor engineers, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, resilient and innovative engineering culture within MBRYONICS.
• Collaborate with optical, electrical, software, systems, and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance opto-mechanical subsystems.
• Serve as the principal technical authority on all mechanical aspects of optical system integration, including lens/mirror mounts, optical benches, gimbal platforms, and alignment strategies.
• Drive the application of CAD design, close-form calculations, finite element analysis (FEA) and prototyping skills in order to realise various types of opto-mechanical systems and ensure optical performance across environments.
• Ensure opto-mechanical designs meet space-grade standards (e.g., MIL‑STD, ECSS), and comply with design office standards.
• Champion design-for-manufacture (DFM), assembly (DFA), and process improvements to accelerate product development cycles and increase system reliability.
• Investigate novel concepts for optical mounting, stray light suppression, thermal isolation, and kinematic design.
• Utilise a hands‑on approach, be proactive and consistently help to progress product development in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Assist with motivating, mentoring and enhancing the team’s capabilities while thriving on setting and achieving your own mission deadlines.
• Prototype building, testing, documenting and developing processes, and producing support documentation.

Who you are

• 12+ years of mechanical, aerospace, optical or related engineering field experience
• B.Eng/M.Eng/Ph.D in Mechanical, Optical, Aerospace Engineering or relevant field
• Experience with a commercial CAD package
• Deep understanding of the interaction between mechanical design and optical system performance.
• Proficient with commercial CAD packages (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Femap, Nastran).
• Knowledge of early-stage prototyping, tolerance control, alignment, and thermal stability in optical systems.
• Familiar with materials and design practices relevant to space (e.g., Invar, Zerodur, carbon fiber, titanium).
• Effective leader
• Excellent written/verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience mentoring engineers, contributing to proposals, bids, and technical reviews.

Desirable Requirements/Technical Skills/Education

• Experience designing and qualifying opto-mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability environments.
• Familiarity with space industry standards (ECSS/MIL-STD), CI/CD for mechanical releases, configuration control, and quality systems (ISO 9001 etc.)
• Experience in design and integration of optical elements (lenses, mirrors, filters) into dynamic or thermally challenging environments.
• Knowledge of, or keen interest in, the space sector
• Actively engaged in the field of mechanical engineering and continuous professional development
• Experience working with CNC machining, 3D printing, and precision alignment tools.
• Actively engaged in the field of opto-mechanical or optical engineering and committed to continuous professional development.

What's in it for you

Career Growth

Contribute to a world-class space-age communication program while developing your leadership skills in a state-of-the‑art manufacturing environment

Collaboration

Work with talented professionals across disciplines to drive impactful solutions

Innovation

Be part of a team pioneering advancements in manufacturing engineering for cutting‑edge FSO systems

Work‑Life Balance

Enjoy flexible work schedules and a comprehensive benefits package

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

Core ethical values, diversity and inclusion are invaluable to MBRYONICS’ business success. We recognise that the broad perspectives that result from recruiting, developing and retaining a globally diverse workforce promotes innovation and helps us succeed as a business enterprise. It is the policy and practice of the Company to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants. The Company will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, civil status, family status, disability, age, or membership of the Traveller community.
MBRYONICS is committed to providing a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process for everyone. If you require any assistance or a reasonable accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.