Principal Mechanical Engineer

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in lasers and precision optics. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

This Principal Mechanical Engineer must be a highly experienced technical leader responsible for driving innovation and leading the development of advanced mechanical and optical systems, including laser systems, bulk optics, and fiber optic technologies, for aerospace and defense applications. This role oversees all phases of product development—from conceptual design and prototyping through manufacturing and deployment—while ensuring efficient systems integration and high-performance solutions.

The position requires deep expertise in opto‑mechanical and photonic systems, hands‑on experience with fiber‑optic technologies and laser systems, and a proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and mentor the next generation of engineers. A key focus is the delivery of cost‑effective, cutting‑edge solutions designed to operate in demanding environments such as terrestrial and space applications.

Lead the design and development of advanced optical and mechanical systems: Oversee the engineering of large-scale mechanical systems and opto‑mechanical subsystems, including bulk optics, laser systems and fiber optic assemblies. Support the design and development of optical support structures, thermal management, and alignment interfaces while packaging delicate optics for demanding military environments for both prototyping and production‑level solutions.
Perform and oversee preliminary analysis: Conduct and guide initial structural, thermal, and environmental analyses to validate mechanical and optical system designs. Provide insights to address application challenges, such as heat dissipation in solid‑state laser systems, stress management in fiber optic assemblies and secure mounting that can withstand launch into space or operation on ground and airborne platforms. Participate in risk‑reduction efforts through breadboards, prototypes, and subscale testing to refine and optimize designs.

Drive innovations in the opto‑mechanics of laser systems: Lead the development of innovative opto‑mechanics for fiber, diode‑pumped solid‑state and semiconductor lasers. Deploy the latest thermal management, fiber processing, and optics‑mounting techniques and materials to develop innovative solutions.
Manage detailed engineering designs: Support systems engineering in the decomposition of system‑level specifications into sub‑system and component‑level requirements. Develop, review, and release detailed CAD models, part and assembly drawings, and tolerance analyses to support manufacturable and reliable designs. Ensure compliance with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, and other industry design standards for laser systems, bulk optics, and fiber optic assemblies.
Oversee full product lifecycle development: Direct product development activities from concept through production and deployment. Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams, ensuring the seamless integration of fiber optics, laser systems, and precision mechanical elements. Lead efforts to meet rigorous environmental and performance requirements in industrial and high‑reliability applications.
Collaborate with vendors and manage supply chains: Assist the management of relationships with vendors, including sourcing, qualification, and quality oversight, to ensure the reliable delivery of components for fiber optic and photonic systems. Provide leadership in technology transfer projects, both domestic and international, to establish scalable manufacturing processes and optimize efficiency.
Lead assembly, integration, and testing efforts: Oversee mechanical aspects of product assembly and integration processes, ensuring precise…