Senior Opto-Mech Engineer

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Location:

San Diego, CA, US, 92127

Job

DRS Daylight Solutions business provides industry-changing mid-infrared laser light technology for government and commercial markets, including: defense and security; life sciences; and industrial process control. As a mid-IR technology pioneer, Daylight Solutions has delivered more mid-IR systems to more applications world-wide than any other company.

Location:

San Diego

Career

Functional Area:

Engineering

Telework Type:
Onsite

Relocation Available:
Yes

Type:
Full Time Permanent

Schedule:

9/80

Shift: 1st Shift

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer at DRS Daylight Solutions will be responsible for the architecture, design, and system-level integration & testing of precision opto-mechanical systems for challenging environments. This position will leverage expertise in precision mechanics, optics, and laboratory metrology, to contribute to the full lifecycle of engineering projects—from prototype design to qualification, and production. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, this position offers the opportunity to innovate and lead technical initiatives critical to product advancement in the aerospace, defense, and scientific sectors.

• Design and develop high-performance opto-mechanical assemblies through knowledge of kinematic, thermal, structural, and manufacturability impacts on optical performance in demanding environments.
• Lead technical execution for projects, including system level requirements, trade studies, alignment strategy, and metrology plans for KPPs.
• Generate detailed technical documentation (CAD models, drawings, BOMs, analyses, FEA simulations, and reports) and support customer design reviews and deliverables.
• Collaborate with optical engineers to support Structural-Thermal-Optical (STOP) analysis and optical test setups to ensure system-level optical requirements are met.
• Facilitate prototype design, build, and integration, ensuring alignment and functionality validation.
• Serve as the technical lead on projects, communicating effectively with cross-disciplinary teams of mechanical, optical, electrical, and firmware engineers.
• Investigate product and process problems and implement corrective actions that improve yield and predictability.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and foster the development of engineering continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong practical mechanical design experience in precision mechanics for opto-mechanical systems.
• Hands-on expertise in optical alignment techniques in laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of optical drawings, sensitivities, and fabrication methods.
• Deep knowledge of GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5M) and mechanical fabrication methods.
• Proficiency in CAD, Solid Works preferred. Experience with FEA software (SW Simulation or Ansys) a plus.
• Knowledge of optical design and laser physics. Functional knowledge of optical ray tracing software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) is a plus.
• Laser packaging design experience including soldering, wire bonding, lid welding, adhesive bonding, and hermeticity testing.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively and independently, demonstrating strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience in leading and mentoring teams.
• Expertise in opto-mechanical design, packaging, and precision mechanics in aerospace, defense, or scientific applications.
• Demonstrated success leading technical teams in a new product development environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 5+ years of experience;
  Master’s or PhD…