Staff Opto Mechanical Engineer

ABOUT THE TEAM 

The Anduril Imaging team develops state-of-the-art imaging systems across both hardware and software, deployed to tackle the most significant security challenges of America and its allies. The team is heavily involved in utilizing computer vision, perception, electro-optical, infrared, and sensor data to give our war fighters and allies an advantage. 

ABOUT THE JOB 

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Staff Opto-mechanical Engineer to play a key role in the development of a state-of-the-art ladar system. You will be responsible for the end-to-end mechanical design, analysis, build, and test of the optical payload, from conceptual design through to final system verification. This is a unique opportunity to design and build the hardware for a cutting-edge system that demands exceptional precision, stability, and performance in challenging environments 

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 

• Develop and deliver precision pointing optical systems and hardware from concept generation to real-world use. 
• Define top-level system architecture trades to develop optimal system designs. 
• Execute in-depth and rigorous opto-mechanical designs. 
• Build and test prototypes and full systems, analyze failures, and transition successful projects into production. 
• Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed. 
• Contribute to the development of new optical systems by assisting in design and implementation efforts. 
• Travel to test sites as needed. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field. 
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in the design, analysis, and integration of complex optomechanical systems, high-precision instrumentation, or similar hardware. 
• Mechanical Design & Analysis: Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) to design and analyze systems including structural, thermal, and vibration analysis. 
• Optical Mounting: Proven experience with techniques for mounting optical components (lenses, mirrors, prisms, detectors), including kinematic principles, flexure design, and adhesive bonding (e.g., with structural epoxies like Hysol EA 9394, RTV). 
• Materials for Stable Structures: Experience designing with materials critical for athermal and stable systems, including composites (specifically carbon fiber), low-CTE metals (Invar, Titanium), and ceramics. 
• Hands-on Integration & Test: Experience with the full hardware lifecycle, including assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) of optomechanical systems.  Must be comfortable working in a lab or cleanroom environment. 
• Tolerance Analysis: Strong understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for manufacturability and system performance. 
• Experience leading technical teams or major subsystems through the full design lifecycle (from concept to delivery). 
• Experience with vendor management for sourcing custom components, machined parts, and optical elements. 
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Direct experience designing, building, or testing precision pointed optical systems including ladar/lidar, laser communication, or directed energy systems. 
• Experience with athermal design to ensure optical performance over wide temperature ranges. 
• Experience with integrated modeling, such as thermo-elastic distortion analysis to predict optical performance changes (e.g., using SigFit, or custom scripts linking thermal/structural FEA to optical analysis software). 
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using tools like ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar. This must include structural, thermal, and vibration analysis. 
• Experience with jitter analysis and disturbance rejection in pointing systems. 
• Experience with the design and manufacturing of carbon fiber composite structures, including laminate design, tooling concepts, and bonding to metallic interfaces. 
• Experience with environmental testing for aerospace or defense applications, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing.