Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

Attalon, Inc.; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 105,225 - 186,300; Full time

Job summary

Attalon, Inc. is seeking a Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer to develop optical systems for aerospace and defense applications. The role involves intricate design work, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and ensuring optimal system performance using advanced CAD tools.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience, strong skills in mechanical and optical design principles, and proficiency in SolidWorks. The position offers a salary range of $105,225 – $186,300 per year based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 9+ years of experience.
• Strong grasp of optical and mechanical design principles.
• Significant experience with CAD software; SolidWorks is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design intricate opto-mechanical components and assemblies.
• Lead product design initiatives and process development.
• Resolve fabrication issues and conduct root-cause evaluations.
• Ensure designs align with program financial objectives.
• Determine manufacturability of design concepts.

Skills

Optical design principles

Mechanical design principles

SolidWorks

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

FEA software (Simcenter or FEMAP)

Job description

Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

Attalon is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense technology company created in 2025 when Advent International carved out Coherent's Aerospace & Defense division. Attalon develops and produces mission‑critical optical systems, precision coatings, and advanced laser subsystems used in ISR&T, space, missile, and directed‑energy applications.

Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

Conceive and develop optical, mechanical, and opto‑mechanical system and subsystem layouts. Create highly complex designs, collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure optimal system performance, and deliver fast, efficient opto‑mechanical concepts using 3D solid‑modeling tools aligned with customer requirements. Provide support to Engineering, Program Management, and Operations through the design and development of models used for analysis, prototyping, production, and mechanical manufacturing activities as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Design intricate opto‑mechanical components and assemblies (such as telescopes and sensors) for airborne and space platforms.
• Lead product design initiatives and process development efforts, ensuring all specifications and technical requirements are met.
• Support program management by offering technical guidance and recommendations.
• Resolve fabrication issues, conduct root‑cause evaluations, and produce clear technical documentation.
• Coordinate design engineering tasks and contribute to conceptual and R&D initiatives for emerging technologies.
• Produce drawings, procedures, work instructions, and Bills of Materials in accordance with document and configuration control standards.
• Assist Business Development by supporting proposals, customer presentations, and quotes for prospective programs.
• Provide tooling design support for new and ongoing efforts and create assembly/testing procedures.
• Improve existing designs and processes to identify and implement enhancements.
• Ensure designs align with program financial objectives, including providing estimates and status updates to program managers.
• Determine the manufacturability of design concepts and participate in troubleshooting and testing activities for assigned programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 9+ years of experience
• Strong grasp of optical and mechanical design principles, with the ability to apply engineering theories effectively.
• Significant experience with CAD software; SolidWorks is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 7+ years; or Ph.D. with 4+ years in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Proven ability to deliver results both independently and in team settings, along with strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Robust mechanical design skills with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) and familiarity with FEA software (Simcenter or FEMAP preferred).
• Expertise in designing optical systems for advanced light sources, including detailed tolerance analysis, manufacturability, and cost considerations.
• Experience applying design‑for‑assembly and integration practices to complex opto‑mechanical devices, including tolerance stack‑up analysis.
• Knowledge of metal machining and optical fabrication processes (grinding, polishing, coating, testing).
• Understanding of thermal, mechanical, vibration, and shock influences on optical systems.
• Technical experience with optical alignment tools, metrology, and assembly procedures.
• Familiarity with materials used in refractive systems across IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV spectra, as well as mechanical substrates and coatings.
• Experience working with vendors/suppliers for optics, mechanical parts, tooling, and coatings.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and supporting alignment, testing, and analysis activities for opto‑mechanical systems.

For California, the salary range for this position is: $105,225 – $186,300 per year. This range is intended as a general guideline. Actual offers are determined based on multiple factors, including (but not limited to) job responsibilities, your experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.