Principal Opto-Mechanical Architect – Aerospace Systems

Pulsespace; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulsespace in Seattle, WA is seeking a Principal Opto-Mechanical Architect to lead the design and development of high-performance optical and optomechanical systems for satellite and space applications. You will shape the architecture, mentor engineers, and drive trade studies from concept through product qualification.

The role requires a strong background in precision gimbal systems, telescope design, and optical metrology, plus hands-on systems engineering leadership and excellent

Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical, Optical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in optomechanical design, preferably aerospace.
• Strong background in precision mechanisms and spaceflight hardware.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Architect gimbal systems for high-accuracy pointing of space instruments.
• Perform trade analyses and system-level calculations for telescopes.
• Design end-to-end optical systems with optoelectronic sensors.
• Define system requirements aligned with mission objectives.
• Lead optical performance evaluations and STOP analyses.
• Mentor and develop a team of engineers.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Systems engineering

Optomechanical design

Team leadership

Education

MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Principal Opto-Mechanical Architect – Aerospace Systems

Seattle, WA Full-Time Engineering / Opto-Mechanical Systems

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Opto-Mechanical Architect to lead the design and development of high-performance optical and optomechanical systems for satellite and space applications. The ideal candidate will combine deep expertise in precision gimbal systems, telescope architectures, and optoelectronics integration with hands-on experience in systems engineering, trade studies, optical alignment and optical metrology. This role will also involve building and mentoring a team of talented engineers, shaping the future of our optomechanical capabilities.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and flexible environment, collaborating with highly skilled engineers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of space systems. Our mission is to enable human space exploration and expand humanity's reach beyond our planet, using these advances to improve life on Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect gimbal systems optimized for high-accuracy, low-jitter pointing of space-based instruments.
• Conduct trade analyses and system-level calculations for high-performance telescopes, evaluating optical, mechanical, and structural performance.
• Design end-to-end optical systems integrated with optoelectronic sensors for satellite platforms.
• Define system and subsystem requirements for optical and optomechanical systems, ensuring alignment with mission objectives.
• Lead iterative STOP analysis and other optical performance evaluations to optimize system performance.
• Drive project development through all phases: requirements definition, PDR, CDR, product design, and qualification.
• Define alignment strategies for both ground alignment and on-orbit calibration, ensuring precise optical performance throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Apply expertise in optical metrology and optical measurements to ensure precision and performance of optical systems.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of talented engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Basic Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in optomechanical design, preferably in aerospace or space systems.
• Strong background in precision mechanisms, optical system integration, and spaceflight hardware development.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing complex system development.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace design, including satellite systems and high-precision optical instruments.
• Extensive experience with high-accuracy pointing systems, gimbal architectures, and telescope design.
• Expertise with ray-tracing tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent for optical modeling and performance analysis.
• Familiarity with space qualification standards and mission readiness processes.
• Strong publication record or patents in optical/mechanical systems is a plus.
• Systems-level thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Expertise in optomechanical modeling, simulation, verification and optical metrology.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, able to guide and inspire a multi-disciplinary team.
• Hands-on experience with alignment, calibration, and optical testing procedures.
• Passion for space exploration and its potential to improve life on Earth.

Join us in designing the next generation of space-based observation systems, mentoring a team of top engineers, and contributing to humanity's mission to explore beyond the boundaries of our planet—all while improving human life on Earth.