Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

CACI International Inc; Florham Park (NJ); On-site; USD 104,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Professional development resources

Collaborative team

Job summary

CACI International Inc is seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to join its Photonics team in advancing laser communications and precision optics for government programs.

The role focuses on designing rugged optical-mechanical subsystems, leading concept to flight qualification, and collaborating with optical engineers to meet performance and manufacturability goals across mission-critical programs.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 7 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
• Proficient use of computer-aided design and analysis software, with SolidWorks and Ansys strongly preferred.
• Experience working with optomechanical systems, precision structures, or high-stability mechanical assemblies.
• Strong understanding of optical mounts, materials, tolerancing, and alignment techniques.
• Familiarity with use of and preparation of CAD models for use in FEA software for thermal and structural (shock and vibration) analysis.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) methodologies, with experience applying these principles to improve product quality and manufacturability.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Under limited direction design the packaging for complex subsystems with optical, photonic, optoelectronic, electrical, and mechanical elements for R&D and production programs for U.S. government customers.
• Own mechanical designs from concept through flight qualification, including requirements definition, trade studies, and detailed design.
• Collaborate with optical engineers to translate optical prescriptions into robust mechanical designs.
• Design optical mounts and systems for launch loads, vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and vacuum environments.
• Develop and maintain optical alignment strategies, including athermalization and stability over temperature.
• Produce build-to drawings and data packages and collaborate with and manage 3rd party vendors to resolve specification, performance, and reliability issues and realize the commercial and custom-machined parts necessary to build the subsystem.
• Support integration, alignment, and test (I&T) activities, including environmental testing and troubleshooting.
• May lead a team of other designers, analysts, and engineering professionals.
• May directly supervise lab technicians.

Skills

SolidWorks

Ansys

Optomechanical systems

DFMEA/DFM

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Job Category: Engineering | Time Type: Full time | Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None | Employee Type: Regular | Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% | Type of Travel: Continental US

CACI is looking for a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to join our Photonics team – we are expanding! Our laser communications technology is helping NASA provide high‑definition video from the International Space Station, and to explore asteroids 250 million miles away. Our other optical technology can also help scientists discover biohazards; support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and protect soldiers from explosive devices. Do you have a passion for innovation? Apply now and join the team!

The Opportunity

• Under limited direction design the packaging for complex subsystems with optical, photonic, optoelectronic, electrical, and mechanical elements for R&D and production programs for U.S. government customers.
• Own mechanical designs from concept through flight qualification, including requirements definition, trade studies, and detailed design.
• Collaborate with optical engineers to translate optical prescriptions into robust mechanical designs.
• Design optical mounts and systems for launch loads, vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and vacuum environments.
• Develop and maintain optical alignment strategies, including athermalization and stability over temperature.
• Produce build‑to drawings and data packages and collaborate with and manage 3rd party vendors to resolve specification, performance, and reliability issues and realize the commercial and custom‑machined parts necessary to build the subsystem.
• Support integration, alignment, and test (I&T) activities, including environmental testing and troubleshooting.
• May lead a team of other designers, analysts, and engineering professionals.
• May directly supervise lab technicians.

Qualifications

Required:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 7 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
• Proficient use of computer‑aided design and analysis software, with SolidWorks and Ansys strongly preferred.
• Experience working with optomechanical systems, precision structures, or high‑stability mechanical assemblies.
• Strong understanding of optical mounts, materials, tolerancing, and alignment techniques.
• Familiarity with use of and preparation of CAD models for use in FEA software for thermal and structural (shock and vibration) analysis.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) methodologies, with experience applying these principles to improve product quality and manufacturability.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Desired

• Experience in the design of complex subsystems with optical, photonic, optoelectronic, electrical, and mechanical elements.
• Experience with gimbal systems or other precision motion control mechanisms, including design, integration, and optimization for applications in optical systems or robotics.
• Familiarity with material behavior in space environments, such as CTE matching, thermal gradients, and outgassing considerations.
• Proven experience conducting mechanical simulations using ANSYS Mechanical (static, modal, thermal, nonlinear, or dynamic).
• Experience in optical and electronic subassembly layout including board physical design, chassis or enclosure design, optical fiber routing, and electrical and optical connector selection.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Benefits

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers – every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground – in your career and in our legacy.

Compensation

Pay Range: $103,800 - $218,100. Final salary depends on geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.