Space Opto-Mechanical Engineer – Systems & Alignment

Star Catcher; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Catcher in Jacksonville, FL seeks an experienced Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate opto‑mechanical systems for space‑to‑space power beaming. You will lead design, analysis, and testing activities across optical and mechanical domains.

The role requires a strong background in Zemax/CodeV, CAD, fiber optics, and metrology, with a track record in aerospace environments and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Optical Engineering or related field; Master’s/PhD preferred.
• Minimum 5 years designing, analyzing, building opto‑mechanical systems in aerospace or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of opto‑mechanical requirements for space missions.
• Experience with Zemax, stray light analysis, and CAD.
• Fiber optics skills including cleaving, splicing, and high density routing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop opto‑mechanical systems, optics, structures, and alignment mechanisms.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate opto‑mechanical systems into spacecraft and satellites.
• Lead on-site precision alignment, mounting, and stabilization efforts.
• Develop test and validation plans; perform performance and reliability testing.
• Conduct optical and mechanical analyses to ensure performance and reduce risk.
• Prepare documentation including design specs and test reports.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to resolve integration issues and manage timelines.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Zemax / CodeV

CAD

Fiber optics

Vendor management

Testing & metrology

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Optical Engineering

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax (CodeV)

FRED / LightTools

CAD software

Job description

Star Catcher in Jacksonville, FL seeks an experienced Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate opto‑mechanical systems for space‑to‑space power beaming. You will lead design, analysis, and testing activities across optical and mechanical domains.

The role requires a strong background in Zemax/CodeV, CAD, fiber optics, and metrology, with a track record in aerospace environments and cross‑functional collaboration.