Opto-Mechanical Engineer, Space Imaging Hardware

Diffraqtion; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and stock options

Medical, dental and vision on 1st day

Company 401K match

Job summary

Diffraqtion seeks an Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Somerville, MA to design, build, and qualify precision mechanical structures for our Quantum Camera. You’ll own the mechanical architecture of optical payloads, work with CAD/FEA, and drive STOP analyses with cross-functional teams in a hands-on, flight-focused role.

We require experience shipping optomechanical hardware for space or similar harsh environments, plus DFM, GD&T, and lab testing. On-site work in Somerville is expected.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Optical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years designing precision optomechanical hardware with a shipped product.
• Designing for space/harsh environments including material selection and launch-load considerations.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and production-ready drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Hands-on experience with FEA for structural, modal, and thermal analysis.
• Strong understanding of precision mounting, preload, and athermalization.
• Experience planning and executing temperature, vibration, and outgas testing.
• DFM knowledge and collaboration with machine shops and suppliers.
• Willingness to work on-site in Somerville, MA.

Responsibilities

• Design precision optomechanical assemblies and mounts with sub-micron tolerances.
• Select space-appropriate materials balancing stiffness, mass, and manufacturability.
• Develop thermal and vibration models and support STOP analyses.
• Produce fully toleranced drawings with GD&T and engage vendors early.
• Design for launch and space environment with appropriate margins and fasteners.
• Plan and execute environmental tests and correlate results to models.
• Develop alignment, bonding, and integration procedures in lab/cleanroom.
• Define mechanical interfaces and contribute to PDR/CDR/qualification docs.
• Manage BOMs, drawing releases, and supplier nonconformances.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

Optomechanical design

GD&T

Thermal & vibration testing

Machining & assembly

Education

B.S./M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Optical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

ANSYS/NASTRAN/Abaqus

Job description

Diffraqtion seeks an Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Somerville, MA to design, build, and qualify precision mechanical structures for our Quantum Camera. You’ll own the mechanical architecture of optical payloads, work with CAD/FEA, and drive STOP analyses with cross-functional teams in a hands-on, flight-focused role.

We require experience shipping optomechanical hardware for space or similar harsh environments, plus DFM, GD&T, and lab testing. On-site work in Somerville is expected.