Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Edison Smart®; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Edison Smart® is seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to own complex optical hardware from concept through qualification, for defence and advanced commercial applications.

You will design high-precision opto-mechanical assemblies, ensure micron-level optical alignment under vibration and thermal cycling, and collaborate with optical, systems, electronics and manufacturing teams to deliver robust products.

5+ years of experience and US Person status due to ITAR are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience designing precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Strong background in laser systems, optical instrumentation or electro-optical products.
• Expertise in precision CAD, tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T.
• Experience with thermal stability and alignment-critical hardware.
• Experience with environmental testing and transfer to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design high-precision opto-mechanical assemblies such as optical benches, mounts, housings and beam steering mechanisms.
• Ensure micron-level optical alignment under vibration, thermal cycling and harsh environments.
• Own mechanical design from concept through prototype, testing and production.
• Conduct tolerance analysis, GD&T and design-stage FEA.
• Collaborate with optical, systems, electronics and manufacturing teams to deliver cutting-edge products.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Tolerance analysis

GD&T

Thermal stability

FEM analysis

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Location: Livermore, CA or Austin, TX or Remote with occasional travel to office.

Are you passionate about designing precision hardware that pushes the limits of optical performance?

We're partnering with an innovative engineering company developing next-generation laser and sensing technologies for defence and advanced commercial applications. They're looking for a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of complex optical hardware from concept through qualification.

What you'll be doing:

• Design high-precision opto-mechanical assemblies, including optical benches, mounts, housings, alignment fixtures and beam steering mechanisms.
• Deliver mechanically robust solutions that maintain micron-level optical alignment under vibration, thermal cycling and harsh operating environments.
• Own mechanical design from concept through prototype, testing and production.
• Conduct tolerance analysis, GD&T and design-stage FEA to ensure optical performance is maintained.
• Work closely with optical, systems, electronics and manufacturing teams to develop cutting-edge products.

What we're looking for:

• 5+ years' experience designing precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Strong background in laser systems, optical instrumentation or electro-optical products.
• Expertise in precision CAD design, tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T.
• Experience designing hardware where thermal stability and alignment are critical.
• Knowledge of FEA tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL or SolidWorks Simulation.
• Experience taking products through environmental testing and into manufacture.
• U.S. Person status required due to ITAR regulations.

Why apply?

• Salary $180,000–$250,000
• Work on next-generation optical and laser technologies.
• Highly technical, collaborative engineering environment.
• Significant ownership and influence over product design.
• Opportunity to solve genuinely complex engineering challenges with real-world impact.

If you're an experienced Opto-Mechanical Engineer looking to work on industry-leading technology where precision engineering makes the difference, we'd love to hear from you.