Lead Space Payload Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Schmidt Entities; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmidt Entities in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Payload Opto-Mechanical Systems Engineer to lead design, analysis, integration and verification of spaceborne payloads, including a space telescope and multiple science instruments. You will translate scientific goals into detailed requirements and own the opto-mechanical development lifecycle.

The role blends technical leadership across disciplines with rigorous analysis, V&V, and collaboration with vendors, scientists, and partners to deliver a

Qualifications

• 5+ years in spaceborne or airborne telescope payloads.
• STOP analysis, optical performance budgets, and system error budgets.
• Hands-on AI&T including optical alignment and environmental testing.
• Experience with external vendors/subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead opto-mechanical SME for the Space Division.
• Review vendor telescope and instrument designs and test plans.
• Develop tolerance budgets and alignment strategies.
• Maintain optical and error budgets.
• Lead STOP analysis activities and integrate models.
• Interface with telescope and instrument vendors.
• Participate in program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, V&V).
• Support payload and spacecraft AI&T plans.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Systems engineering

Vendor management

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical engineering

Astrophysics payloads

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/ Optical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Nastran

Thermal Desktop

Sigfit

Zemax

Job description

Schmidt Entities in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Payload Opto-Mechanical Systems Engineer to lead design, analysis, integration and verification of spaceborne payloads, including a space telescope and multiple science instruments. You will translate scientific goals into detailed requirements and own the opto-mechanical development lifecycle.

The role blends technical leadership across disciplines with rigorous analysis, V&V, and collaboration with vendors, scientists, and partners to deliver a