Optical Manufacturing Engineer
Core
Bridge between optical design and production floor for large aperture, space-qualified telescopes (100–300 mm) collecting/transmitting optical energy from UV to infrared.
Role type
Optical Manufacturing Engineer (IC)
Builds
Space-qualified optical payloads, large aperture telescopes, and integrated electro-optical assemblies for missions in MEO, GEO, and cis-lunar space.
Domain
Aerospace / Optical Engineering / Satellite Manufacturing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Design for Excellence (DFX) guidance, manufacturing process development, fixture and tooling design, optical metrology, cleanroom protocols, adhesive bonding, root cause analysis, work instruction creation, environmental qualification testing
Preferred skills
CAD (NX), optical design tools (Zemax, Ansys), high-volume optics manufacturing, single-point diamond turning, wavefront optimization, optical fiber processing, space-grade material selection
Technologies
Interferometers, autocollimators, theodolites, laser trackers, power meters, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), UV/thermal cure equipment
Responsibilities
Provide DFX guidance on optics, optomechanical mounts, and integrated electro-optical hardware; Develop manufacturing and assembly processes for space-qualified optical subsystems; Design alignment fixtures, bonding tooling, and ground support equipment; Support evaluation and selection of optical fabrication and metrology equipment; Develop in-process inspections and end-of-line test methods; Create and maintain work instructions and procedures in MES; Support integration of optical assemblies with electromechanical interfaces; Develop subassembly build flows for efficient production; Support environmental acceptance and qualification test campaigns; Partner on R&D of novel optics manufacturing technologies
Seniority
Mid-level IC (3+ years experience)