Opto-Mechanical Engineer-Associate

Job Title: Opto-Mechanical Engineer - Associate Staff

Date: Mar 31, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security but to the advancement of science itself. The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one‑of‑a‑kind optical systems for terrestrial, air, and space missions of national importance. Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems, and high energy laser optical systems.

The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under challenging conditions. Recently, this included compact, extremely wide field‑of‑view space telescopes; ultra‑compact, free‑form optics‑based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber‑encapsulated ultra‑small optical imaging systems. The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer‑reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards.

The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.

We are seeking a highly skilled Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design and develop custom opto‑mechanics for a wide range of optical systems operating in various domains from underwater to space, addressing diverse functionalities and mission types such as laser communications, wide area sensing, directed energy, etc. The Optical Engineering Group works on challenging defense and civil problems, collaborating closely with other engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.

• Design and develop opto‑mechanical systems for optical applications, including system alignment and performance testing.
• Conduct opto‑mechanical design, analytical tasks, trade studies, and integration/testing.
• Collaborate with optical engineers and technical stakeholders to ensure system‑level design meets mission requirements.
• Oversee the specification, fabrication, and testing of opto‑mechanical components.
• Perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) tools.
• Conduct coupled structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses to optimize system performance.
• Generate and review mechanical/optical drawings, including tolerance analyses.
• Present technical work to team members, supervisors, and program sponsors.
• Lead and manage small teams during prototype lifecycle phases, including concept development, design, analysis, assembly/alignment, and testing.
• Travel to meetings and field sites as required.

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Precision Mechanics, or a related field or a Bachelors and 3+ years of experience.

• Proficiency in CAD software (Solid Works preferred).
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g., Aras Innovator).
• Familiarity with optical component mounting techniques, including kinematic (exact constraint) design principles.
• Ability to perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN/FEMAP preferred).
• Experience conducting coupled structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses (desired).
• Ability to read and generate mechanical/optical drawings and perform basic tolerance analyses.

• Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work.

• Experience leading and managing small teams (desired).

• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances.
• Willingness to travel to meetings and field sites as needed.

This position offers the opportunity to work on…