Space Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc.; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. in Connecticut seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop precision opto-mechanical assemblies for space-based imaging systems.

You will design rugged, lightweight structures and lead tolerance analysis to ensure performance under launch loads and in orbit. The role requires strong CAD and FEA skills, GD&T expertise, and collaboration with optical, manufacturing, and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design (space or aerospace preferred)
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, thermal analysis, and precision mechanical design
• Experience designing for launch environments (random vibration, shock, static loads)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar)
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with optical system fundamentals and alignment sensitivity
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and space qualification standards

Responsibilities

• Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies for space-based telescopes, including mirrors, mounts, structures, and alignment mechanisms
• Develop lightweight, thermally stable structures optimized for launch loads and on-orbit performance
• Perform tolerance analyses to ensure optical performance under thermal, mechanical, and dynamic environments
• Conduct structural, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools
• Support optical alignment strategy development and error budgeting in collaboration with optical engineers
• Select materials compatible with space environments (CTE matching, outgassing, radiation, cryogenic performance, etc.)
• Generate detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation in accordance with aerospace standards
• Support prototype builds, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum), and performance validation
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and interface directly with customers and program teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Structural mechanics

Thermal analysis

Tolerance analysis

FEA analysis

3D CAD

GD&T

Material selection

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

ANSYS/NASTRAN

Job description

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. in Connecticut seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop precision opto-mechanical assemblies for space-based imaging systems.

You will design rugged, lightweight structures and lead tolerance analysis to ensure performance under launch loads and in orbit. The role requires strong CAD and FEA skills, GD&T expertise, and collaboration with optical, manufacturing, and systems teams.