Lead Optomechanical Engineer, Space Optics

K2 Space Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

K2 Space is seeking a mechanical/optomechanical engineer to own the design and build of precision optomechanical structures for space payloads. You will mount lenses and mirrors, design supporting structures, and ensure alignment through launch, thermal cycling, and on-orbit operation.

In collaboration with optical engineers, you will define requirements, run analyses, lead design reviews, build hardware, and qualify flight-ready assemblies while supporting production and integration over the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, optical, or another relevant engineering discipline.
• Five or more years of experience in mechanical or optomechanical design and analysis, with a mechanics-heavy background.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software for detailed part and assembly design.
• Hands-on experience mounting optics (lenses and mirrors) and designing the structures that support them.

Responsibilities

• Design optomechanical assemblies—optical benches, mirror mounts, lens cells, and support structures—from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, in support of internal and external customer needs.
• Own mounting and alignment of lenses and mirrors, selecting and designing mounting schemes that constrain optics without over-constraining them.
• Design mirror support structures with attention to jitter, deformation, and thermal stability.
• Own optical alignment and stability budgets, translating wavefront and pointing decisions.
• Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond.
• Drive hardware development, including hands-on assembly and alignment, testing, analysis correlation, and iterations.
• Perform hardware trades that steer sub-system and top-level product direction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish product requirements, processes, and best practices for optomechanical design and manufacturing.
• Continually own and refine system deliverables and schedules throughout development and production.

Skills

3D CAD

Optomechanical design

Mechanical design

Optical alignment

Hands-on assembly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, optical, or another relevant engineering discipline

Tools

Siemens NX CAD

FEA

Job description

K2 Space is seeking a mechanical/optomechanical engineer to own the design and build of precision optomechanical structures for space payloads. You will mount lenses and mirrors, design supporting structures, and ensure alignment through launch, thermal cycling, and on-orbit operation.

In collaboration with optical engineers, you will define requirements, run analyses, lead design reviews, build hardware, and qualify flight-ready assemblies while supporting production and integration over the