Opto-Mechanical Engineer | Build Next-Gen Space Hardware for High-Power Orbital Systems!

Opportunity Summary

A well-funded and rapidly scaling space startup is deploying the world’s first orbital power network, delivering high-efficiency, space-to-space energy transfer using innovative optical and mechanical systems. We’re looking for an experienced Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, integration, and validation of critical subsystems that support high-precision power beaming from spacecraft to spacecraft. In this role, you'll bridge mechanical and optical engineering, working on spacecraft systems that must meet stringent performance, alignment, and reliability requirements. If you're passionate about precision engineering, optical alignment, and building spaceflight systems from the ground up, this is your chance to shape the future of power in orbit.

About Us

We’re a mission-driven aerospace startup transforming how power is distributed in space. By enabling spacecraft to connect and draw energy from an orbital infrastructure, we unlock more flexible, scalable, and reliable operations for the next generation of missions. Our team combines engineering rigor with startup agility, working across disciplines to push technical boundaries and deliver on ambitious goals. Based in the southeastern U.S., we offer hands-on opportunities to impact real flight hardware and systems headed to orbit.

Job Duties

• Design and develop complex opto-mechanical systems including mounts, structures, and alignment interfaces
• Lead precision alignment and stabilization of optics during integration and system build-up
• Ensure compliance with mechanical, optical, and mission-level requirements
• Execute structural and optical analysis to confirm performance, tolerances, and thermal resilience
• Develop and run validation tests for mechanical-optical systems including lab and field tests
• Author and maintain technical documentation, including build instructions and alignment protocols
• Interface across engineering functions—mechanical, thermal, electrical, systems, and test—to integrate subsystems effectively
• Manage vendor relationships for optical components and drive procurement logistics
• Support fiber optic routing, termination, and performance analysis in high-density layouts
• Oversee tasks and timelines associated with opto-mechanical deliverables

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Optical, or Photonics Engineering (Master’s or PhD preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in opto-mechanical system design, integration, and analysis for aerospace or complex hardware systems
• Hands-on experience with Zemax or CodeV for lens design (2+ years minimum)
• Basic knowledge of CAD tools, stray light analysis, and fiber optic components
• Familiarity with interferometry, autocollimators, and optical alignment instrumentation
• Understanding of Seidel and Zernike aberrations, chromatic distortion, and related optical performance concepts
• Experience with optical vendor management and custom component sourcing
• Capable of training or mentoring team members on alignment and optical integration best practices

Preferred Experience

• STOP analysis, optical metrology, and laser-induced damage threshold testing
• Experience with diffractive optics, lightpipes, non-imaging systems, or solar tracking optics
• Familiarity with space system standards, environmental constraints, and reliability requirements
• Ability to write or modify object-oriented Python code for automation or modeling tasks
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams

Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

• Help pioneer the next generation of space infrastructure from concept through launch
• Small, fast-moving team with high ownership and cross-functional collaboration
• Hands-on environment where your work will be on real flight systems
• Flexible and mission-focused culture with room for rapid career growth
• Competitive compensation with long-term upside
• Equity options
• Generous PTO
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Opportunity to work on a truly first-of-its-kind orbital technology

Compensation Details

$125,000 - $175,000 plus generous equity