Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory · 12 hours ago
Space Hardware - Postdoctoral Researcher
Livermore, CA, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$122K/yr - $143K/yrLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in precision optomechanical engineering for space applications. The role involves conducting research on large aperture space telescopes and optical payloads, focusing on precision mechanisms and optomechanical design.
Information TechnologyMarketingMarket ResearchSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
Company
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a national security laboratory, provides transformational solutions to national security challenges.
Founded in 1952
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.4MKey Investors
ARPA-EUS Department of EnergyDARPA
2023-11-21Grant
2023-08-14Grant
2022-09-19Grant
Leadership Team
G
Greg Herweg
Chief Technology Officer
D
David Shaughnessy
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
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