Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Star Catcher, located in Jacksonville, FL, has an opportunity for an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to support the development of space-to-space power beaming spacecraft and the Star Catcher Network, its orbital power grid. Responsible for design, analysis, and integration of opto-mechanical systems and components used spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related technologies.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Optical Engineering, or a related field or a related field, Master’s or PhD preferred.
• 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, Light Tools, 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.

• 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/wave guides, 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.