Mechanical Engineer; electronics Packaging

Mechanical Engineer (electronics Packaging) Design space-appropriate optomechanical packaging for fiber/laser amplifier systems used in space optical communication links

Location:

Longmont, Colorado, United States

Job Tags:
Hardware

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to architect, design, and validate the optomechanical packaging for fiber/laser amplifier systems used in space optical communication links. You will own the mechanical design from concept through qualification and production, ensuring alignment stability, survivability through launch, and reliable on-orbit performance.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Define requirements, interfaces, and budgets with photonics, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams
• Develop packaging architectures for amplifier modules: chassis, mounts, fiber routing/strain relief, fixtures, enclosures, and contamination control
• Create CAD models and drawings; perform tolerance stack ups; author assembly procedures and work instructions
• Design for thermal performance: conduction/radiation paths, heat spreaders/straps, TEC/heater integration, emissivity coatings, and MLI; build and correlate thermal models
• Perform structural analyses (hand calculations and FEA) for static, modal, random vibration, and shock; fastener/joint analysis and margin reporting
• Manage fiber-specific mechanics: bend radius, spooling, clamps, feedthroughs, and connector strain relief
• Select space-appropriate materials and finishes considering out gassing, cleanliness, venting, and surface treatments
• Support environmental testing (TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration, shock): test setup, instrumentation, data review, and corrective actions
• Collaborate with suppliers/CMs on manufacturability, quality, and lead-time; drive DFM/DFA and transition to production
• Own BOMs and configuration control throughout the product lifecycle

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years in opto-mechanical or high-reliability electronics packaging, preferably aerospace or similar environments
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and drawings (e.g., Creo, NX, or Solid Works); strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance analysis
• Demonstrated structural and thermal design skills; experience with FEA and thermal modeling supported by hand calculations
• Experience taking hardware from prototype through environmental qualification and into production
• Hands‑on assembly/alignment experience in lab or cleanroom settings; fixture and tooling design
• Clear communicator with strong cross‑functional collaboration and documentation skills

• Thermal analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop/SINDA, ESATAN‑TMS, Icepak/FLOTHERM) and test/model correlation
• Packaging of fiber optic modules (spools, WDMs, isolators, combiners, pump diodes) and associated mechanical constraints
• Knowledge of space materials/coatings, contamination control, and out gassing (e.g., ASTM E595) and venting practices
• Experience with MLI, thermal straps/heat pipes, TECs/heaters, and thermal control interface to electronics
• Vibration and shock design/test (random vibe, SRS); fastener/joint analysis and fracture‑control awareness
• Supplier development and manufacturing processes (CNC machining, sheet metal, additive, brazing); PLM/ECO and configuration management

CA applicants is $ - $; CO applicants is $ - $; WA applicants is $ - $

Other site ranges may differ

• Benefits include:
  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Paid Time Off:
  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.