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Star Catcher · 4 months ago

Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

5+ years exp

Star Catcher is a company focused on developing space-to-space power beaming spacecraft and an orbital power grid. They are seeking an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate opto-mechanical systems for spacecraft and satellites, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and leading testing and validation efforts.

EnergySpace Travel

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Designing and developing opto-mechanical systems, including optical components, mechanical structures, and alignment mechanisms

Collaborating with engineering teams to integrate opto-mechanical systems into spacecraft and satellite platforms and serving as a bridge between the mechanical and optical engineering teams during system design efforts

Ensuring compliance with mission requirements, optical performance requirements and compatibility with other systems and components

Leading onsite precision alignment, mounting, and stabilization efforts

Developing and executing test and validation plans for opto-mechanical systems, and performing performance and reliability testing to validate system functionality and compliance with specifications

Conducting optical and mechanical analysis to ensure system performance and reliability, and reducing risk of optical system failure

Addressing and resolving technical issues related to opto-mechanical systems

Preparing and maintaining detailed documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and technical manuals

Working closely with a cross-functional engineering team to resolve integration and performance issues

Managing project timelines, resources, and budgets related to opto-mechanical engineering tasks

Qualification

Opto-mechanical systems designZemax lens designFiber optics skillsOptical surface fabricationTestingMetrology skillsCreative problem-solvingEffective communicationProject management

Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Optical Engineering, or a related field

At least five years of experience designing, analyzing and building opto-mechanical systems in an aerospace manufacturing environment or other relevant industry experience

Strong understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with opto-mechanical systems for space missions

Minimum 2 years Zemax lens design (CodeV ok), basic experience with stray light analysis (FRED, LightTools, Zemax non-sequential, or similar), and basic CAD expertise

Fiber optics skills including cleaving, splicing, combining, core-alignment, connector termination, high density fiber routing, reflection/attenuation management, fiber inspection, loss budgeting/link engineering

Experience building vendor relationships and managing custom optical component procurement and logistics

Basic testing and metrology skills such as interferometry and the use of autocollimators

Basic understanding of optical surface fabrication/polishing techniques and associated errors and aberrations

Applied understanding of basic Seidel, Zernike, and chromatic aberrations

Creative problem-solving skills, with the capability to develop innovative solutions to advanced engineering challenges

Ability to teach/instruct other optical and mechanical engineers and technicians to execute basic opto-mechanical tasks in a rapidly evolving, time-sensitive technology development environment

Preferred

Master's or PhD

Expertise in advanced opto-mechanical systems design, test, and integration techniques including but not limited to STOP analysis, optical metrology, high-power thermal damage testing (CW LIDT testing), and system tolerancing

Experience with white light engineering systems, non-imaging systems, lightpipes/waveguides, diffractive and/or solar optics

Ability to create basic object-oriented code in Python or willingness to learn

Demonstrated ability to drive innovation in opto-mechanical system design and implementation, contributing to the development of cutting-edge space technologies

Familiarity with space industry regulations, safety standards relevant to space missions and operations

Effective communication skills with the ability to interface with the team and organization and prioritize tasks, projects, and personnel from a variety of disciplines