Senior Mechanical Engineer

About Opterus

Opterus Research & Development is an innovative aerospace company based in Loveland, Colorado, specializing in deployable space systems and high‑strain composite structures. We combine cutting‑edge composite materials, origami‑inspired architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high‑performance structural solutions for commercial, defense, and scientific missions.

Opterus is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to serve as a technical leader for the design and development of flight‑ready deployable spacecraft systems. This role requires deep expertise in spaceflight hardware and a track record of leading complex programs from concept through flight qualification and production. In this role you will define technical direction, make architecture‑level decisions, and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑reliability space systems.

This role combines hands‑on engineering with strategic technical leadership and significant influence across programs and customers.

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of spacecraft structures and deployable systems from concept through flight qualification and production.
• Own hardware development throughout the full lifecycle, including requirements definition, design trades, prototyping, testing, and flight validation.
• Design and release high‑quality CAD models, drawings, and build documentation (Solid Works).
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across programs.
• Perform and/or guide mechanical and structural analysis, including hand calculations and FEA, to ensure performance.
• Plan, execute, and oversee test campaigns, including qualification and acceptance testing.
• Support cleanroom assembly, integration, and troubleshooting of flight hardware.
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) in collaboration with production teams.
• Lead major program reviews and represent Opterus in customer‑facing technical discussions (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.).
• Identify technical risks and lead mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and standards.
• Support proposal efforts, including technical volumes, concept development, and cost/schedule inputs.
• Contribute to long‑term technology roadmap and innovation strategy.

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline (MS or PhD preferred).
• 8+ years of experience designing and delivering spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated success leading complex hardware systems through full lifecycle: concept, design, analysis, qualification, and production.
• Deep experience with spacecraft mechanisms, structures, deployable systems, or composite structures strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in GD&T and engineering fundamentals.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD (Solid Works preferred).
• Familiarity with FEA tools and correlating test data.
• Strong communication skills with extensive experience in high‑level technical reviews and customer engagement.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑ownership environment.
• US citizen or permanent resident.

• Salary range of $130,000 – $165,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Flexible and hybrid work schedules: 9/80 or 10/80, with two or more days in the office per week.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances.
• Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums.
• 401K matching up to 4%.
• 9 paid holidays.