Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

SENIOR OPTO-MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Location:
Longmont, CO (Onsite)

Role

Summary:

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the mechanical design, structural analysis, and line-of-sight (LOS) stability of optical communication systems for space environments. This role is critical to a production line. You will own the mount/cell design, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and environmental qualification for an optical payload.

Special Mentions:

• This position requires relocation to Longmont, CO

• Travel expectations:
  Up to 10% travel may be required for technical reviews and test campaigns

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Opto-Mechanical Design Leadership

• Lead mechanical design of sub-assemblies, including telescope mounts/cells, benches, kinematic interfaces, and fiber management systems

• Design for maximum stability against dynamic launch loads (random vibration, shock) and on-orbit thermal cycling

• Define datum/fiducials, build-to tolerances, and align-to tolerances; generate interface control drawings (ICDs) and production-ready drawings with comprehensive GD&T

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Production Integration

• Drive DFM and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles into the hardware design from the start to enable reliable, cost-effective production

• Interface with internal manufacturing, tooling, and GSE teams to optimize assembly sequences, reduce part count, and simplify fixtures

• Support tolerance stack-ups and dimensional metrology planning to ensure designs meet production quality

Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) Analysis

• Perform detailed STOP analysis using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS/Nastran) to model and predict effects of thermal loads, vibration, and static loads on optical performance (Wavefront Error, MTF, LOS jitter) with Optical Engineer

• Own the LOS stability budget; conduct sensitivity studies for mount compliance, CTE mismatch, thermal gradients, and structural damping

• Optimize stiffness/mass ratios and modal separation strategies to survive vibe/shock while protecting WFE/MTF performance

• Partner with the Thermal & Materials Engineer on athermalization strategies for interfaces

Verification, Qualification, and AI&T Support

• Support environmental test campaigns (TVAC, random vibration, shock) and lead root-cause analysis for any structural or mechanical anomalies

• Support hands-on optical alignment and integration in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom, providing mechanical expertise to resolve fit and function issues

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (MS preferred) and 10+ years of professional experience in opto-mechanical engineering for space payloads

• Proven expertise in structural FEA (ANSYS/Nastran) for modal, random vibration, and shock analysis

• Expert proficiency in CAD (PTC Creo or NX) for complex opto-mechanical assemblies and production drawings

• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA principles

• Hands-on experience with interfaces, kinematic mounts, and contamination-sensitive optical hardware

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in STOP analysis and athermalization techniques

• Experience with fiber optics, pigtails, and active alignment systems

• Prior flight hardware qualification and environmental test campaign leadership

• Knowledge of ISO 9001/AS9100 and spaceflight documentation practices

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

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