Mechanical Design Engineer

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc.; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. in Connecticut seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop precision opto-mechanical assemblies for space-based imaging systems.

You will design rugged, lightweight structures and lead tolerance analysis to ensure performance under launch loads and in orbit. The role requires strong CAD and FEA skills, GD&T expertise, and collaboration with optical, manufacturing, and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design (space or aerospace preferred)
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, thermal analysis, and precision mechanical design
• Experience designing for launch environments (random vibration, shock, static loads)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar)
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with optical system fundamentals and alignment sensitivity
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and space qualification standards

Responsibilities

• Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies for space-based telescopes, including mirrors, mounts, structures, and alignment mechanisms
• Develop lightweight, thermally stable structures optimized for launch loads and on-orbit performance
• Perform tolerance analyses to ensure optical performance under thermal, mechanical, and dynamic environments
• Conduct structural, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools
• Support optical alignment strategy development and error budgeting in collaboration with optical engineers
• Select materials compatible with space environments (CTE matching, outgassing, radiation, cryogenic performance, etc.)
• Generate detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation in accordance with aerospace standards
• Support prototype builds, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum), and performance validation
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and interface directly with customers and program teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Structural mechanics

Thermal analysis

Tolerance analysis

FEA analysis

3D CAD

GD&T

Material selection

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

ANSYS/NASTRAN

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design, analysis, integration, and testing of precision optical systems for satellite-based imaging platforms. This role focuses on the development of rugged, lightweight, thermally stable opto-mechanical assemblies capable of surviving launch environments and operating reliably in space. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with a deep understanding of optical system performance and environmental constraints unique to aerospace applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies for space-based telescopes, including mirrors, mounts, structures, and alignment mechanisms
• Develop lightweight, thermally stable structures optimized for launch loads and on-orbit performance
• Perform tolerance analyses to ensure optical performance under thermal, mechanical, and dynamic environments
• Conduct structural, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools
• Support optical alignment strategy development and error budgeting in collaboration with optical engineers
• Select materials compatible with space environments (CTE matching, outgassing, radiation, cryogenic performance, etc.)
• Generate detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation in accordance with aerospace standards
• Support prototype builds, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum), and performance validation
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and interface directly with customers and program teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design (space or aerospace preferred)
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, thermal analysis, and precision mechanical design
• Experience designing for launch environments (random vibration, shock, static loads)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar)
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with optical system fundamentals and alignment sensitivity
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and space qualification standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience designing hardware for satellite telescopes or space imaging systems
• Experience with lightweight mirror mounts, flexures, kinematic designs, and athermalization strategies
• Familiarity with silicon carbide or other advanced space-qualified optical materials
• Experience supporting thermal vacuum and vibration testing
• Understanding of stray light control and baffle designActive or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to precision and detail in high-performance systems
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Self-directed and capable of managing multiple program priorities

Why Join Us

• You will play a critical role in developing next-generation satellite imaging systems that demand extreme precision, stability, and reliability. This is an opportunity to work on mission-critical hardware deployed in challenging space environments where engineering excellence directly impacts performance.