Opto-Mechanical Engineer (Principal)

Mantis Space; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mantis Space in Albuquerque, NM seeks a senior mechanical structural analyst for flight hardware. You will lead structural analysis for precision opto-mechanical systems, collaborate with controls, optical, and systems teams, and design high‑reliability pointing and stabilization mechanisms.

Responsibilities include CAD modeling in SolidWorks, FEA validation, LOS stability, and producing detailed documentation.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of flight hardware design, build and test experience.
• Mastery of Finite Element Analysis methods and multiphysics simulation.
• Proven ability to produce drawings, GD&T, BOMs and FAIs.
• Strong collaboration with ME, optical, controls, and test teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical SME in structural analysis for precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Perform cross-functional structural and dynamic analysis with controls, optical, and systems teams.
• Design precision mechanical components for pointing, tracking, and stabilization.
• Develop CAD models and production-ready mechanical designs using SolidWorks.
• Perform FEA to validate designs against launch, vibration and thermal environments.
• Analyze LOS stability and structural performance across spacecraft environments.
• Export transfer functions and analysis results to support controls.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to ME team development.

Skills

Structural analysis

Multiphysics sim

SolidWorks

Optomechanical design

Flight hardware

Documentation (GD&T)

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

M.S. in Structural Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS/NASTRAN

Job description

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in structural analysis and precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Perform cross-functional structural and dynamic analysis in collaboration with controls, optical, and systems engineering teams.
• Design and develop precision mechanical components and assemblies, including pointing, tracking, and stabilization mechanisms.
• Develop detailed CAD models and production-ready mechanical designs using SolidWorks or similar tools.
• Perform FEA and multiphysics analysis to validate designs against launch, vibration, thermal, and operational environments.
• Analyze and optimize line-of-sight (LOS) stability and structural performance across the spacecraft operating environment.
• Conduct rapid FEA and quantitative design trades to support architecture and mechanism decisions.
• Export structural transfer functions and other analysis results to support controls-system development.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reduce mass and cost, increase reliability, and improve manufacturability.
• Support the selection and integration of actuators, sensors, bearings, structural materials, launch locks, and passive vibration isolation systems.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, GD&T, BOMs, tolerance budgets, mass budgets, and first article inspection requirements.
• Collaborate with optical, systems, controls, electrical, manufacturing, and test engineers to ensure mechanical designs meet system-level requirements.
• Support hardware development through design reviews, prototyping, assembly, integration, environmental testing, and qualification.
• Contribute to mechanical engineering standards, design practices, analysis methodologies, and technical best practices.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to the technical development of the broader mechanical engineering team.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of mechanical engineering talent and help build a culture of technical excellence.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners and vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure successful production of flight hardware.

What You Do

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in structural analysis and precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Perform cross-functional structural and dynamic analysis in collaboration with controls, optical, and systems engineering teams.
• Design and develop precision mechanical components and assemblies, including pointing, tracking, and stabilization mechanisms.
• Develop detailed CAD models and production-ready mechanical designs using SolidWorks or similar tools.
• Perform FEA and multiphysics analysis to validate designs against launch, vibration, thermal, and operational environments.
• Analyze and optimize line-of-sight (LOS) stability and structural performance across the spacecraft operating environment.
• Conduct rapid FEA and quantitative design trades to support architecture and mechanism decisions.
• Export structural transfer functions and other analysis results to support controls-system development.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reduce mass and cost, increase reliability, and improve manufacturability.
• Support the selection and integration of actuators, sensors, bearings, structural materials, launch locks, and passive vibration isolation systems.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, GD&T, BOMs, tolerance budgets, mass budgets, and first article inspection requirements.
• Collaborate with optical, systems, controls, electrical, manufacturing, and test engineers to ensure mechanical designs meet system-level requirements.
• Support hardware development through design reviews, prototyping, assembly, integration, environmental testing, and qualification.
• Contribute to mechanical engineering standards, design practices, analysis methodologies, and technical best practices.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to the technical development of the broader mechanical engineering team.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of mechanical engineering talent and help build a culture of technical excellence.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners and vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure successful production of flight hardware.

What You Bring

• 12+ years of experience designing, building, and testing flight hardware in the space industry, with multiple programs through on-orbit operations.
• Mastery of Finite Element Analysis methods. Experience with Multiphysics simulation. (FEMAP, ANSYS, NASTRAN)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks design and large assembly management in SolidWorks PDM, or similar PLM
• Optomechanical instrument or payload design experience
• Skill with producing drawings, GD&T, BOMs, FAIs, tolerance budgets, and mass budgets
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coordination skills
• M.S. or higher in Structural Engineering or related field
• Desired FEA skills and specialty Qualifications
• Quantitative design of pointing mechanisms for precision pointing in space environment of vibration, temperature variation and radiation.
• FEA analysis concurrent with design to verify LOS stability over environment. Quick FEA analysis to support quantitative design trades.
• FEA export of transfer functions to support controls analysis.
• Collaboration with other ME, optical, system and controls engineers to meet system requirements.
• Experience with selection of actuators (motors, voice coil, piezo), structural materials, sensors to support system objectives.
• Experience with bearing selection, launch lock and passive vibration suppression for space payloads.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mantis Space is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and focused on professional excellence. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We value a wide range of experiences and perspectives and believe they contribute to strong teams and effective problem-solving. We encourage qualified individuals to apply regardless of background. Mantis Space is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation or assistance at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.