Space Hardware - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 122,028 - 143,328; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance precision optomechanical engineering for space applications. The role emphasizes mechanisms, mounts, and integration of optical systems into spacecraft, within the Advanced Space Development group.

Responsibilities include designing high stability mechanisms, validating optical performance with Zemax/FRED, and collaborating across disciplines to enable large-aperture space telescopes. Full-time on-site at LLNL.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field with strong research background.
• Experience in precision mechanical design for space instruments.
• Experience with optomechanical design for telescopes or imaging systems.
• Hands-on experience with structural and thermal analysis tools.
• Ability to perform independent research and publish findings.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze high stability mechanisms, mounts, and structures for space telescopes.
• Develop optomechanical designs for telescope subsystems and ensure thermos-mechanical stability.
• Create models to predict performance under mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads.
• Ensure alignment and wavefront stability of optical systems in space environments.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists across disciplines.
• Travel to coordinate with collaborators and test sites.

Skills

Precision mechanical design

Kinematic mounts

Optomechanical design

Metrology planning

Error budgeting

Thermal stability analysis

Vibration analysis

Clear communication

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering

PhD in optical engineering

PhD in aerospace engineering

PhD in applied physics

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

Job description

Overview

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in precision optomechanical engineering for space applications. You will contribute to cutting edge research focused on developing the next generation of large aperture space telescopes and optical payloads, with an emphasis on precision mechanisms, optomechanical design, and integration of optical systems into spacecraft. This position is in the Advanced Space Development group in the National Security Engineering Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on site presence due to the nature of the work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in precision engineering, including the design and analysis of high stability mechanisms, mounts, and structures for space telescopes and optical payloads.
• Perform optomechanical design of telescope subsystems, including mirrors, lenses, mounts, alignment features, and supporting structures, with attention to thermos-mechanical stability, vibration, and launch survivability.
• Develop and run analytical and numerical models to predict system performance under mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads.
• Apply precision engineering principles to ensure alignment, pointing, and wavefront stability of optical systems in the space environment.
• Design and analyze mechanisms for deployment, focusing, alignment, and actuation of optical elements, including mechanisms for large aperture systems.
• Use optical design and analysis tools (for example, Zemax, FRED or equivalent) to validate optical performance and to couple mechanical and optical models for end to end system performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of laboratory experiments to validate optomechanical designs, including alignment procedures, environmental testing, and performance verification.
• Communicate and collaborate with engineers, scientists, and physicists working on space telescopes, optical payloads, and spacecraft integration.
• Support proposal development for the Space Hardware group, including defining technical approaches, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies for precision optical and mechanical systems.
• Design research plans, generate and analyze results, and publish findings in peer reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field or test sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in mechanical engineering, optical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in precision mechanical design, including mechanisms, kinematic or quasi kinematic mounts, alignment features, and tightly toleranced assemblies.
• Experience in optomechanical design for optical instruments, telescopes, or imaging systems, including coupling mechanical and optical performance requirements.
• Hands on experience with structural and thermal analysis tools (for example, ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus or equivalent) for predicting deformation, vibration, and stability of precision assemblies.
• Experience applying precision engineering methods such as error budgeting, tolerance analysis, thermal stability analysis, and metrology planning to mechanical or optomechanical systems.
• Ability to perform independent and original research and to communicate findings through journal publications and presentations at seminars and scientific meetings.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience designing space based optical systems or space telescopes, including understanding of launch loads, on orbit environments, and spacecraft integration constraints.
• Experience with the integration and test of optical and optomechanical hardware, including alignment techniques, optical metrology, and environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum).
• Demonstrated understanding of thermomechanical behavior of precision mechanisms and optical structures in harsh environments, including microgravity and thermal extremes.
• Experience with active or adaptive optics, precision actuators, and mechanisms used for focus, alignment, or wavefront control.
• Familiarity with requirements and standards for space qualified hardware and with working in collaboration with spacecraft systems, attitude control, and payload integration teams.

Pay Range

$122,028 - $143,328 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee\'s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.